by Seonaid Knox
Leading renewable energy technology company Smarter Grids Solutions, a spin-out from the University of Strathclyde, has officially opened its first US office in New York.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond attended the opening ceremony on 7 April in Brooklyn for the announcement which also marked the signing of global agreements with US firms Silver Spring Networks and HEVO Power.
Smarter Grid Solutions, head-quartered in Glasgow, is a pioneer of smart grid technology – creating products for power companies to increase their existing grid capacity to connect more renewable energy and counter the rising demand for electricity worldwide.
Speaking at the event Salmond championed Scotland’s research capabilities: “Smarter Grid Solutions is an excellent example of how a Scottish company can take this research and create a successful, growing business overseas –with Scottish University research at its core.”
He congratulated the organisation’s work which is helping power companies be more eco-friendly and mentioned that Scotland is leading the way with earnest climate change targets. In 2013, 46.5% of Scottish electricity needs came from renewable sources -a record year for Scotland (Scottish Government Energy Statistics).
The company already works with five of America’s six electricity distribution network operators and has won a contract to model and simulate microgrid applications for the New York metro area.
Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Lena Wilson said: “It’s estimated that the smart grid technology market will be worth more than $56 billion globally by 2020” Smarter Grids is in an ideal position to capture this.
Dr Bob Currie, Smarter Grid Solutions’ chief technology officer and co-founder, added: “…we have identified significant opportunities to accelerate our growth and have already started work with a number of prominent organisations in the smarter grid sector.
“Our technology and solutions are being well received and…we are looking forward to growing our presence in North America and applying our knowledge and experience to create a smarter grid.”
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