Smart grid leads German revolution

Smart Grid Technologies

Since 1990, Germany has slashed its carbon emissions by 23 percent, cementing its place as a world leader in both energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Now, the country has announced plans to not just continue being a leading light in clean energy, but to actually start a future "energy revolution". Germany plan to use a myriad of different projects such as African deserts covered in ginormous solar plants, to small house-hold projects like cutting edge appliances and mini-power plants in every home. But at the very heart of the nation's efficient energy production plans are smart grids.

Fearless

Germany has been fearless in its adoption of fledgling technology, whereas elsewhere in the world - notably the US - utilities are reluctant to invest in new and unproven energy projects. In terms of smart grids for example, many countries are still unwilling to put power in the hands of the consumer by letting them know exactly how much power they are using.

Currently it is still very difficult for consumers to see how much electricity they are using, but smart grid devices are quickly being developed. It is hoped that by being able to monitor how much electricity they are using, consumers will use less of it, subsequently cutting energy bills and, moreover, pinpointing off-peak hours to run their energy-intensive machines.

In addition to smart grid technology, a number of other potential growth markets are also being tested as part of the E-Energy project. According to Spiegel Online, German household appliance maker Miele, for example, is supplying hundreds of homes in the Ruhr region with intelligent washing machines that provide exact details about usage and can be either programmed or operated remotely to automatically turn on and do their work at times of the day when electricity is cheapest.

Energy management and storage

In order for a power grid to run predominantly on renewable energy, this sort of energy management is essential as appliances can monitor how much energy is available from a wind farm or solar plant. This will prevent the grid from crashing.

Innovative storage systems will also contribute to grid stability, and scientists are developing better ways, other than batteries, to store energy, with new concepts being tested in the German port city of Cuxhafen.

Offshore wind parks and enormous solar plants in the deserts of Africa will play a major role in Germany's energy future. By 2030, Germany estimates that these and other alternative energy schemes could produce up to one third of the country's energy needs.

Mini-power plants in German house-holds are perhaps a more far-fetched idea, but one major companies are taking seriously nonetheless. For example, Volkswagon and Lichtblick announced they want to install mini power plants in 100,000 homes, and support has already been overwhelming.

New jobs and businesses

The energy revolution is likely to generate thousands of new jobs, businesses and even new markets, as energy and IT markets merge closer and closer with the automotive industry likely to follow soon.

Advancements in the IT sector will be vital to the development of green energy; such as wind farms being able to predict energy output up to four days in advance - not to mention the contribution IT will make to the development of smart grids. Other systems, almost like iPhone-apps, will help consumers manage their systems based on weather forecasts and other social statistics.

The future of the world's energy is exciting, as possibilities seem limitless. But in order for the revolution to move forward, the world needs a country to take calculated risks, and Germany look to be that country.

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