Greentech Lead America: Technology major IBM has joined
hands with Zapadoslovenska energetika, a. s. (ZSE), a provider of electricity
in Slovakia, for a smart energy feasibility study. The study will help prepare
the capital city Bratislava for electric vehicles (EVs).
IBM is involved in more than 150 smart grid engagements
around the world, in both mature and emerging markets.
The study will be using e-mobility technology. The study
will help assess the possibilities of connecting two metropolitan areas –
Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Austria with a green highway. This highway
will interconnect the two cities with a network of public charging stations for
electric vehicles.
IBM said this study is part of a pilot project – VIBRATe’
(VIenna BRATislava E-mobility) – aimed at reducing emissions with a smarter,
energy efficient transportation system. Currently, the average combustion
engine produces about 45 kg of CO2 per year during the route from Vienna to
Bratislava.
The aim of the feasibility study is to identify new
opportunities around e-mobility in Bratislava and maximize the market
potential, in an effort to reduce emissions. By analyzing the capacity needed
from the distribution network for various types of vehicle charging /
recharging, Bratislava can not only implement an optimal power grid, but also
address the charging concerns shared by its citizens, according to ZSE.
IBM Slovakia is joining hands with ZSE to offer insights
into implementation scenarios and infrastructure options for charging.
They are investigating charging station locations for
normal and rapid charging across the borders, as well as analyzing networking
availability. This insight will allow ZSE to place charging stations in areas
that are convenient for consumers.
“Rising fuel prices and energy consumption are two
major issues facing many cities around the world, these factors coupled with
aging roads and infrastructures, can affect city planning, local economy, and
overall community satisfaction,” said Guido Bartels, general manager of
IBM’s Global Energy and Utilities Industry.
IBM and Telvent selected by Canadian electricity distributor
for Smart Grid project
IBM and its business partner Telvent have been selected
by Hydro One, a distributor of electricity in Canada, for a new smart grid
project.
The companies will run simulations and tests to determine
the smart grid technologies that have the potential to improve power efficiency
and reliability.