“Smart Grids is the way that we will change our electrical systems to cope with the transformation of moving from coal and gas, to a renewables, nuclear and gas based economy”, says Peter Crossley, professor of power systems at the University of Manchester.
More specifically, the term “Smart Grid” refers to an advanced electrical power grid which uses computer-based technology such as artificial intelligence and automation to predict and respond appropriately to the behaviour of its end users – delivering reliable and sustainable electricity services. It is essentially the electricity grid of the future.
The second Innovative Smart Grids Technologies (ISGT) European Conference is taking place in December this year (5-7th December) at Manchester Central. The event will bring together innovative companies from the global manufacturing sector – those who are currently working on products which will contribute to the ongoing development of Smart Grids technology.
The speaker line-up demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of this conference. Presenting keynotes will be leading figures from industry and academia, such as Professor Nikos Hatziargyriou (PPC), Steve Johnson (CEO, Electricity North West), Prof Hans B. Püttgen (EPFL), and Prof Felix Wu (University of Hong Kong).
“Smart Grids will allow us to operate our power networks to our cities and to our homes in a more efficient and economical way”, says Crossley.
The three-day event will include panel discussions and tutorials led by key influential experts in the field. A range of topics is to be covered, beginning with an introduction to the emerging distribution grid and looking into concepts such as ‘hosting capacity’ and the implementation of ICT.
The Panel line up consists of internationally respected speakers like Roger Hey (Western Power Distribution), Prof Carlo Alberto Nucci (University of Bologna), Matt Wakefield (EPRI) and Dr Brian Stott (US National Academy of Engineering).
Crossley adds, “Sustainable and environmental friendly energy is a very big topic. In the past we have been effectively using our own national gas reserves but now we need to import gas. This will eventually become too expensive and so we have to generate energy in a more cost effective way.”
ISGT 2011 is hosted by the University of Manchester’s school of electrical and electronic engineering. The department specialises in many areas of energy; working in ways of storing and converting energy into electricity using nuclear, wind and marine technology.
“Manchester will continue to consume energy from outside which is brought by the national grid system, but also generate energy within Manchester using waste, bio-fuels and wind farms around Manchester – it is very much a changing time.”
The 2nd IEEE PES International Conference and Exhibition on “Innovative Smart Grid Technologies –Europe 2011” will include 18 keynote speeches, 29 panels, and 236 accepted papers. Around 500 delegates are expected to attend. It takes place on 5th -7th December, hosted by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Manchester, and is held at Manchester Central Complex.
For further information and to register for the event, click here http://www.ieee-isgt-2011.eu/