Accenture and Siemens have formed a joint venture named Omnetric Group to provide smart grid industry with advanced solutions and services focused on data management and systems integration.
Utilities are seeking ways to increase capital effectiveness and reduce their costs of operations while integrating new technologies such as distributed renewable generation and electric vehicles into their electricity networks.
Such networks require an enterprise view of systems and data through the integration of traditional IT solutions with the operational solutions required to manage the grid.”
The joint venture will work with utilities to improve energy efficiency, grid operations and reliability. These solutions will integrate operational technologies such as distribution management and real-time grid operations – with IT systems supporting smart metering, energy consumption and work and asset management.
Omnetric Group will begin operations pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The company will be headquartered in Munich, operating initially in Europe and the United States.
Omnetric Group plans to employ approximately 100 people in its first year, with further global expansion planned in the future.
“Combining the strengths of Siemens and Accenture will enable Omnetric Group to deliver the highest level of expertise and execution to a rapidly evolving global utility market,” said Jan Mrosik, CEO of Siemens’ Smart Grid Division.
The company will offer Siemens’ products and solutions; Accenture’s management and technology consulting, systems integration and managed-services capabilities. The companies’ IT and operational technology solutions and extensive experience in the energy industry will help address a range of challenges faced by energy utilities around the world.
“With an integrated approach incorporating operational and information technologies, utilities can improve overall grid reliability and bridge the gap to real-time grid control by integrating and implementing new and previously isolated grid applications,” Mrosik said.