Friends of Sustainable GridsThe Friends of the Supergrid (FOSG) recently welcomed three new members: General Electric, Red Eléctrica of Spain and Vattenfall. This brings to 20 the number of members.
FOSG was launched in March 2010 to progress policy towards the construction of a pan-European Supergrid. Through the combination of their respective areas of expertise, FOSG is the only representative body that combines companies in sectors that will deliver the transmission infrastructure and related technology, together with companies that will develop, install, own and operate that infrastructure.
FOSG’s CEO, Ana Aguado Cornago commented:” I’m delighted to welcome our three new members. Having world leading utilities on board further strengthens the supply chain we’re bringing together to deliver the Supergrid. Moreover, having our first US member shows the real potential for also exporting this concept outside of Europe. Finally, the increasing interest that TSOs in Europe are showing on the European Supergrid proves it is the only effective way to fulfill the objectives of decarbonisation, security of supply and realisation of the internal electricity market that the EU wishes to accomplish.”
In the space of one year we have brought together a world-leading supply chain, committed to delivering the first phase of the Supergrid into construction by 2015. The publication of our proposal on the design, financing and regulation of the first phase of the European Supergrid in December last year is proof of our solid commitment.”
The proposal is available to download at www.friendsofthesupergrid.eu
During FOSG last Assembly and Board meetings Eddie O’Connor, also CEO of Mainstream Renewable Power, was elected President and Marcello del Brenna, also CEO of Prysmian Powerlink Srl, was elected Chairman of the Board.
The FOSG members also include 3E, ACS-Cobra, ALSTOM, CESI, CG Power Systems, DEME Blue Energy, Elia, Hochtief Construction AG, Mainstream Renewable Power, National Grid, Nexans, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Prysmian Cables & Systems, Siemens, RTE, Visser & Smit Marine Contracting, and wpd offshore.
Comments from the new members:
Harald von Heyden, Head of Business Division Asset Optimisation and Trading, Vattenfall
“Vattenfall will be among the leaders in developing environmentally sustainable energy production. To achieve this a strong and reliable transmission system is needed. Our membership in the Friends of the Supergrid is one way of promoting a future with a well functioning internal electricity market, high level of security of supply and a possibility to accomodate all types of low carbon generation; renewables, nuclear and coal with CCS”.
Luis Atienza, CEO of Red Eléctrica
“Red Eléctrica of Spain, as TSO, is at the forefront of the integration of renewable energies in the electricity system, both in the development of operation tools as well as in the development of a robust and meshed grid capable of managing changing electricity flows dependant on meteorological conditions.
A low carbon Europe requires a SUPERGRID capable of managing and compensating for the variations caused by wind energy production, offshore and onshore, and solar energy generated in the different European regions. Red Eléctrica is firmly committed to this challenge. ”
Bob Gilligan, Vice President of GE Digital Energy
“GE Energy is delighted to be counted as one of the “Friends of the Supergrid”. Last year GE’s smart grid technology enabled Turkey to connect to the European electrical grid. The Turkish Electricity Transmission Company (TEIAS) is now able to buy and sell power in the European electricity market and such projects will become the backbone of a European Supergrid, strengthening the reliability and availability of energy throughout all of Europe. GE is excited by the prospect of working with FOSG members and we share the FOSG view that a European Supergrid will allow for expanded energy and economic opportunities and deliver a smarter, cleaner and more efficient energy network.”
Ends.
Notes to editor:
About Friends of the Supergrid
The Friends of the Supergrid (FOSG) is a group of companies and organisations which have a mutual interest in promoting and influencing the policy and regulatory framework required to enable large-scale interconnection in Europe. With a special insight into the technology needed to create Supergrid the Friends will be empowered to build the know-how to deliver it in practice.
FOSG combines companies in sectors that will deliver the High Voltage infrastructure and related technology, together with companies that will develop, install, own and operate that infrastructure. The Friends will design the physical equipment, and work alongside the companies that will build the structures at sea, so that both are empowered to compete and win. The risks of providing this new transmission service will be reduced by the early knowledge gained during the policy formation and design stages.
FOSG is able to present ‘cradle to grave’ interconnection solutions to policy makers and others looking to develop energy policy across Europe through to 2050.
Download: General Electric, Red Electrica and Vattenfall join Friends of the Supergrid