For Immediate Release: June 9, 2010
Contact: Cory Churches (202) 482-3809
Commerce Official Highlights SMART Grid Technology in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS – The U.S. Commerce Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Mary Saunders in remarks today at the Business of Smart Grid Conference discussed the development and deployment of a nation-wide smart grid system. Development of smart grid technology is a national priority of the Obama Administration and critical component of the Administration’s energy plan and Smart Grid Stimulus Program. The stimulus program is expected to create 43,000 new jobs and private sector funding could help create 61,000 additional jobs.
“Our nation’s innovative technology companies and R&D centers are moving the smart grid system forward in the United States and around the world,” said Saunders. “From an international trade perspective, developing uniform standards for the smart grid is extremely critical in ensuring that smart grid products and technologies developed in one part of the world can be exported and used in other countries.”
Minnesota Power Smart Grid Project received $1.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to expand the implementation of its smart meter network by deploying additional metering, measuring, and automation equipment.
Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) is collaborating and coordinating with key countries that are instituting smart grid policies to share best practices and establish standards. Following internationally recognized standards is paramount to ensuring international compatibility of smart grid products as the technology develops in the smart grid realm.
The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology has the primary responsibility to coordinate development of a framework that includes standards for smart grid devices and systems.
ITA is taking a leading role in the federal government to ensure that the U.S expands exports while spurring additional jobs. Through the implementation of the National Export Initiative, President Obama aims to double U.S. exports in five years and support 2 million jobs in the United States. Promoting smart grid technology, and other emerging technologies, globally will help realize these goals.
For more information on smart grid and the International Trade Administration, please visit www.trade.gov.
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International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 77 countries worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.
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