FOCUS: Smart Grid

Smart Grid technology has the capacity to increase energy efficiency by improving awareness among consumers about the connection between electricity use and the environment. On Nov. 21, leading experts from the U.S. and Germany will convene at the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) to discuss the technology’s past successes and future challenges.

NEW YORK (November 14, 2013) – After sequential hurricanes in 2011 and 2012, New Yorkers experienced firsthand how an energy disruption can have a domino effect – a series of failures that affect transportation, communications, and security. A smarter grid adds resiliency to electrical power systems, making them better prepared to address emergencies, such as severe storms, earthquakes, heat waves, and terrorist attacks. The Smart Grid is also one way to address an aging energy infrastructure that needs to be upgraded or replaced.

On Thursday, November 21, 2013, a panel of top energy experts from the U.S. and Germany will address how the Smart Grid not only provides a unique opportunity to propel the industry into a new era of reliability, availability, and efficiency, but how it can also have a positive impact on the economy and environment.

James Gallagher, Executive Director of the New York State Smart Grid Consortium, will draw upon over 30 years of energy policy experience. Prior to joining the NYSSGC, Mr. Gallagher was Senior Manager for Strategic Planning at the New York Independent System Operator, where he was responsible for establishing the long-term strategic direction of the NYISO, which operates New York’s electric transmission system and wholesale power markets. He will be joined by Christian Höpfner, Scientific Director of the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems. Dr. Höpfner leads CSE’s Photovoltaic Technologies, Building Energy Technology, and Distributed Electrical Energy Systems research groups.

Brian Jones, Senior Principal of Energy and Utilities at SAP and leader of his company’s Smart Grid Innovation Council, will discuss his strategic advisory role on key thought leadership areas, including Smart Grid, renewable energy, transmission and distribution operations, and customer systems. Matthew Fairy, Director of Sales for New York and New England at Pareto Energy, will also partake in the discussion. Mr. Fairy previously served as Vice President of Marketing at Eco Energy Partners, LLC, where he successfully marketed the integration of combined heat and power systems and technology.

Kurt Becker, an international expert in experimental atomic and chemical physics, as well as plasma science and technology, will moderate the discussion. Dr. Becker is Associate Provost for Research and Technology Initiatives, Professor of Applied Physics, and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University.

This Smart Grid discussion will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the German Center for Research and Innovation New York (871 United Nations Plaza, First Avenue, btw. 48th & 49th Streets).

Follow live on Twitter @gcri_ny (hashtag #smartgrid).

A video recording will be available on www.germaninnovation.org shortly after the event.

The event is co-sponsored by the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) and the German American Chambers of Commerce (GACC).

The German Center for Research and Innovation provides information and support for the realization of collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21st century, GCRI hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, GCRI was created as a cornerstone of the German government’s initiative to internationalize science and research and is one of five centers worldwide.

German Center for Research and Innovation
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Jennifer Audet
Communications Officer
Audet@GermanInnovation.org
(212) 339 8680, ext. 302

This release was published on openPR.