As we have known that GE has developed a WiMAX smart meter and smart modem reference designs, for use in GE’s advanced meter and modem product family bundled with GridNet’s PolicyNet software. GridNet has been working closely with its technology partners GE Energy, Clearwire, Intel, and Motorola to develop secure, standards-based, and scalable WiMAX smart grid network solutions for utilities.

Recently SP AusNet,one of Australia’s largest publicly-held electricity and gas providers, will be the first in the world to implement GE WiMAX Smart Grid Solution. SP AusNet, will partner with 12 companies and utilize WiMAX technology to rollout 680,000 smart meters in Victoria.It will begins over the coming months and runs through 2013.

The 12 partners include Landis+Gyr, GE and Grid Net, UXC Limited, Electrix, Motorola, Unwired, eMeter, Logica, Accenture, Enterprise Business Services, and Geomatic Technologies.

GE will provide the meter communications technology for the SP AusNet network and half of the new meters. Landis+Gyr will provide the balance of the meters. Grid Net will contribute its Policy Net network management software which will oversee the meters, switches and other elements of SP AusNet’s Smart Grid.The software was developed to be compatible with the GE WiMAX meters and related equipment. Motorola will provide WiMAX infrastructure.

“This is the first time WiMAX technology will be used in smart metering for an electrical utility company. The WiMAX technology supports high-speed data communications and hundreds of thousands of smart metering connections that are capable of covering large geographical areas, providing a solid foundation to build a reliable and cost-effective communications network for smart metering,” said Eric Starnes, vice president of sales and operations for Motorola’s Home & Networks Mobility business in Asia.

Motorola will supply and deploy WiMAX WAP 650 base stations operating at 2.3GHz, Access Service Network (ASN) Gateway and new microwave systems to extend the wide area network (WAN) to new coverage areas. The system is based on a flat, all-IP architecture that enables high-speed machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.  It will facilitate communication with SP AusNet’s smart meters embedded with WiMAX chipsets, collecting measurements and sending instructions in real time, supporting the analysis of usage patterns and power generation needs.

The GE WiMAX Smart Meters is among the fundamental building blocks of smart grid deployments. They track and report energy usage by time of day, enabling utilities to charge less for electricity used during off-peak hours. As a result, consumers can choose to shift energy-intensive activities to times when rates are lower to save on energy costs.

The GE WiMAX Smart Grid Solution is, in essence, an “energy Internet,” delivering real-time energy information and knowledge—empowering smarter energy choices. Considering the energy challenges we currently face, we must find a way to do more with less—and quickly. This is the role for a smarter grid, which :

• Enables the integration and optimization of more renewable energy (such as wind and solar) and plug-in electric vehicles.
• Drives significant increases in the efficiency of our network.
• Empowers consumers to manage their energy usage and save money without compromising their lifestyle.

Investing in the smart grid now is a great way to make a “down payment” on the reduction of our carbon emissions. Improving energy efficiency throughout the grid and increasing the ability of the system to more easily accept non-carbon-based clean energy resources are just two of the ways the smart grid can help now.

Research indicates that carbon emissions could be reduced by 25% in America if smart grid technologies are implemented.If the grid allowed energy production to be just 5% more efficient, the energy savings would equate to eliminating the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from 53 million cars.9

The GE WiMAX Smart Grid Solutions will also enable higher percentages of centralized and distributed renewable generation to enter the grid efficiently and reliably so they can become significant contributors to our overall energy platform, helping us reduce carbon emissions and defer the need to build more generation.

Learn more about GE WiMAX Smart Grid Solution on its official website here .

You can also enjoy CNET’s highlight photos from GE Smart Grid Lab “Kithchen of the Future”.

Blog Gallery by Picturesurf

As we predict before, it seems in the near future we will see more WiMAX company started moving to integrate WiMAX into Smart Grid solutions.

Press Release from GE ,Press Release from Motorola Via SmartGridNews , ComputerWorld

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