The Portuguese Transmission System Operator REN – Rede Eléctrica Nacional and the Japanese Industrial Automation & Control company YOKOGAWA Electric Corporation have joined the Friends of the Supergrid. This brings to 25 the number of members.

FOSG is very pleased to welcome two new “Friends” as part of the supply chain the Association is bringing together to deliver a pan-European Supergrid. REN’s experience in developing its transmission grid and in the implementation of new methodologies to cope with large scale integration of RES, namely wind, is fundamental in delivering the Supergrid. FOSG’s CEO Ana Aguado commented: “It is essential to extend FOSG membership to companies from the South of Europe so that the development of grids in general and of the Supergrid in particular have a sound European basis and facilitate the integration of all types of renewable energy”.

Moreover, with its 97 year experience and its position of leading manufacturer in the fields of measurement, control, and information, Yokogawa will bring a unique technical expertise and know-how to FOSG, in particular in relation to automation and control and to ITC developments. Ana Aguado also commented: “We are proud to count on a company whose cutting edge Research and Development department has secured more than 7,000 patents and registrations. Having a Japanese company among our members, shows the world wide concept of our project.”

Comments from the new members:

Rui Cartaxo, President and CEO, REN

“We are very pleased to join Friends of the Supergrid (FOSG). Europe is undergoing key changes in its energy systems and infrastructure, with strong integration of renewables and extension and upgrade of its transmission networks. REN has a valuable experience in this field which will add value for FOSG while contributing to shape the future European Supergrid.”

Mr. Harry Hauptmeijer, President, Yokogawa Europe & Africa

“As a Global leader in Industrial Automation, Control and Information Systems, Yokogawa are looking forward to working collaboratively within the Friends of the Supergrid. Yokogawa will provide expertise in the areas of remote plant operations and asset management for the distributed renewable power generation, which will deliver the future of European energy supply through the HVDC Supergrid. The delivery of the Supergrid will require organisations to engage in collaborative R&D to implement innovative solutions to address future renewable energy technological requirements. Being a Friend of the Supergrid will enable Yokogawa to bring its core values of Innovation, Quality and Foresight to the organisation which will contribute to a sustainable future for the European Energy Market.”