Smart Electricity Grids - Global Players, Opportunities and Issues June 28, 2010

Already, 40% of total energy used from oil, gas and renewables in the US takes the form of electricity. Meanwhile, in this country alone, electricity demand is said to rise by roughly 40%, or the equivalent of 214 Gigawatts, over the next 20 years.

In order to increase energy security and decrease environmental impact of exploration and emissions, Smart Grids are fast becoming the core of energy efficiency initiatives in the US, Europe and many other places around the world.

Global grids are spending amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars annually. On top of this, large scale stimulus packages in a number of countries are fueling the development of new innovation that is fusing information and communications technologies with electricity infrastructure.

This presents significant technical, regulatory, social and economic challenges, but also significant opportunity to provide solutions. Venture capitalists, startup entrepreneurs, corporate executives, consultants, government and university researchers are forging into the space with great force.

Specific topics to be discussed will include:
* What are the global trends and latest developments?
* Where exactly does opportunity present itself?
* What are the skills and resources needed?
* What are the pitfalls?
* How do we avoid another bubble?
Speakers:
* Ullas Naik, Managing Director, Globespan Capital Partners
* Stefan Heuser, President and CEO of "Technology-To-Business" Center Siemens Berkeley
* Harold Galicer, Director of Technology Transfer, California Smart Grid Center at Sacramento State University
* tbd

Moderators:
* Olaf Groth, Senior Principal, Monitor 360
* Mark Radcliffe, Partner, DLA Piper

Complimentary appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.

Official Website: http://www.gaba-network.org