U.S. President Barack Obama came to office with a commitment to act quickly and boldly in charting a new energy future that embraces alternative and renewable energy, ending the country’s addiction to foreign oil, addressing the global climate crisis and creating new jobs in the clean energy economy.
In October 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) issued a one-time appropriation of $4.5 billion to stimulate smart grid development and deployment in the United States. In December 2011, Dan Ton, US DOE’s Program Manager for Smart Grid R&D presented a report on Smart Grid Development by US DOE.
As explained on the US DOE website at SmartGrid.gov, the implementation of smart grid technologies is revolutionizing electric delivery in the United States to meet the needs of the 21st century economy. The transformation to a smarter grid will increase the reliability, efficiency, and security of the country’s electrical system; encourage consumers to manage their electricity use; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and allow the integration of clean energy sources and electric vehicles into the grid of tomorrow.
The foundation laid with initial stimulus funding is taking root in several states across the nation. For example, Illinois is on the way to becoming a leader in smart grid technology with the passing of Illinois Smart Grid Legislation authorizing a $3.2 billion statewide smart grid build-out. Illinois has received international recognition as an ideal partner for smart grid development and deployment. Global partners are attracted to the wide array of smart grid and renewable energy projects in Illinois and to the state’s advanced research capabilities at national labs and universities.
If you would like to tell others of smart grid initiatives in your state or country, click on Social Network to sign up and get connected on the Smart Grid Network™, or send an email to itryba@smartgrid.com
