http://www.energy.siemens.com/hq/en/energy-topics/smart-grid/what-is-a-smart-grid.htm
http://getsmartgrid.org/facts
www.energyfuturecoalition.org/.../Smart%20Grid%20Docs/Smart_Grid_Fact_Sheet.pdf -
So if we have all these different sources of renewable energy how do we work them into our electricity grid system effectively? The demand for energy is skyrocketing as everything in our world is beginning to rely on electricity from cell phones to cars. "[The demand] is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.2 percent – and climb from 20,300 terawatt-hours today to 33,000 terawatt-hours by 2030." (Siemens) Well, while companies embracing renewable energy could try to promote it individually it probably won't work for widespread use of renewable energy... What many pig power companies like Siemens and Cisco are trying to achieve is an updated "grid", which is what brings energy from the power plants to our homes. This grid using internet and computer technology to communicate with various sources of power drawing from different sources such as solar, hydro, and wind all at the same time and using whatever is producing the cheapest source of energy etc. This greatly reduces the dependence on fossil fuels for our energy production. This video explains the concept of a "SmartGrid" more scientifically and in depth. :D
Overall this brings the outdated grid system we have into the new age of technological advancement and is a great transition to encourage people to be more "green" hence saving more green! That's what people like to hear! The system integrates the different sources of energy together into one larger system and this, if done properly, could be just the change the world of power production needs to see!
