Takeaways from the European Commissions smart grid report

Smart grid technology continues to be one of the ripest industries for growth in several countries, as utilitycompanies and governments have worked to establish more eco-friendly and efficient energy resources. The equipment and procedures associated with smart grids are still relatively novel, especially in certain nations where the trend has not yet caught on more commonly, and demands several different unique approaches to asset protection, compliance procedures and more.

However, legislative bodies have found ways to catalyze growth in this market, especially as the outcomes can be beneficial for a nation's carbon footprint and spend-management.The United States and China have invested the most in smart grid technology on the global scale, while other nations and regions, such as the European Union, are beginning to increase their financing efforts in this arena as well.

GreenTech Media recently reported that a new study from the European Commission's Joint Research Center revealed that the continent is beginning to outpace smart grid investment growth when compared to the United States. The source pointed out that Europe's expenditures in this arena have moved along on an upward trend, while those coming from the United States have started to slow.

According to the news provider, roughly $4.28 billion US have been invested by 28 member states collectively in Europe, which includes an estimated $646 million from relatively new projects that were launched since the last time the commission conducted a similar study.

The report also revealed several interesting findings in terms of the costs of each component of smart grid projects. GreenTech Media affirmed that smart metering took up among the least amount of expenditures, while smart network management and smart customer and smart home investments were at the top of the list for budgetary allocations. Furthermore, the commission found that the majority of smart grid investments could be found in northern and central European member states.

To ensure the long-term integrity and security of investments in this area, smart grid managers will need to utilize proven tools such as serial-to-Ethernet converters.

Perle offers a range of cost effective serial-to-Ethernet converters to help meet NERC-CIP compliance for the protection of critical cyberassets in substations. The IOLAN SDS HV/LDC Terminal Server is designed to meet harsh environments associated with Power Substations with attributes such as support for substation AC and DC voltage ranges, extended operating temperatures and meeting emission, immunity and safety approvals associated with substation IT equipment.