The NGN Forum has launched a Smart Energy Forum which will focus on IP services used to power the smart grid, home grids and alternative energy sources such as wind and solar. The NGN Forum will focus its activities on the two main areas going forward: next-gen communications and NGN energy applications.
“Utility companies have traditionally developed their own networks and communications systems," said Michael Khalilian, chairman & president, NGN Forum. “However, they are now looking toward the telecommunications industry for apps, technology development, and OSS/BSS/Security to help them manage consumer demand. A number of major telecom operators and vendors are driving the initiative to expand into the highly lucrative energy management and applications field."
The U.S. smart grid industry is valued at about $21.4 billion. By 2014, it is projected to exceed $42.8 billion. The world market is expected to grow at a faster rate, surging from $69.3 billion to $171.4 billion by 2014. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocates billions of dollars for energy projects including $4.5 billion to modernize the electric grid. Other major government initiatives that will increase telecom-related funding include $7.2 billion in broadband deployment grants administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utility Service (RUS).
“By ensuring that the Smart Grid is effectively managed, protected and secured, we will help speed its overall adoption by increasing confidence in the reality of these visionary solutions," said Doug Havas, vice president of communication industries at Symantec.
Under Next Generation Communications, the Forum will continue to focus on IMS, SDP, 4G, VoIP, RCS/RMS, IP Video, IP Billing, IP Security, and the Forum’s Interoperability/Plugfests.
The Smart Energy Forum will focus on NGN Energy Applications and NGN communications services for Smart Grid and Renewable energy apps such as security, billing and integration services. It will explore all types of energy apps that employ IP services for smart metering, billing and transport of energy. The Smart Energy Forum will develop guideline documents to help guide the industry in its adoption of this technology as well as enhancing NGN / IMS Interoperability and its Plugfests to include Smart Energy apps requirements.
Initial member companies involved in the new Smart Energy Forum include Alcatel-Lucent, Sonus Networks, Tech Mahindra, Telcordia, T-Mobile, Sprint and more.
“Machine-to-machine technologies, including Smart Meters in the utility market, present an attractive opportunity for service providers," said Nigel Upton, director, Communications and Media Solutions, HP. “The Smart Energy Forum can help HP customers, who are already making inroads in this market, using BSS/OSS solutions that have been battle-tested in telecom."
