Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive, EMA

Singapore --- (METERING.COM) --- September 3, 2010 - An “Intelligent Energy System” pilot has been launched in Singapore, with the aim to test and evaluate new applications and technologies around a smart grid.

The project, which was officially launched last November, is being spearheaded by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). The success of the IES pilot will enable the EMA to adopt and rollout workable solutions for Singapore’s power system, thereby enhancing its efficiency and resilience, reducing wastage, shaving peak loads and deferring capital investments to meet consumer demand in the future. This will also lead to lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

“With this pilot, we will lay the foundations for an even more intelligent energy system in Singapore,” said EMA chief executive Lawrence Wong at the launch. “We will bring the capabilities of our power grid to the next level and ensure that our electricity infrastructure is ready for the future.”

As the IES pilot project will incorporate different new applications and technologies around a smart grid, it is envisaged that several companies will be involved in the pilot project, under a consortium lead. Following a request for proposals for the consortium lead, four companies have been shortlisted and are being evaluated: Accenture Pte Ltd, IBM Singapore Pte Ltd, Logica Singapore Pte Ltd, and Siemens Pte Ltd

In order to test different technologies and evaluate their benefits, the EMA has separately called an open tender to procure about 4,500 smart meters to be used in the IES pilot project and these proposals are also now being evaluated.

Besides the smart metering, other elements that will be tested include demand response management systems and management systems for distributed energy sources.

The IES pilot project will be implemented on multiple sites, with the focal point at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Other government agencies involved in the project include the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), the Housing & Development Board (HDB), the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Recently, the A*Star launched a smart grid research center on Jurong Island.