A new joint venture aims to commercially implement the results of two smart grid technology research projects.

The ‘egrid’ collaboration between Siemens and Allgäuer Überlandwerk GmbH (AÜW), will build upon the findings from the IRENE and IREN2 programmes.

These schemes looked into balancing generation and consumption by examining new grid structures and optimising distributed energy systems in Wildpoldsried, a Bavarian village where the amount of electricity generated from renewables is five times greater than what’s needed.

The two companies aim to offer innovative consulting services for distribution grid operators based on what they have learnt.

They say their primary areas of focus will centre around the integration of large capacities from distributed generation plants and intelligent control of the distribution grid.

Michael Schneider, Head of the Siemen’s Power Technologies International, said: “The results of the two research projects IRENE and IREN2 have far exceeded our expectations. I am very pleased about this and it is an ideal starting point for our new joint venture.

“Other grid operators will now be able to profit from our distributed infeed and storage solutions. It’s from real-life practice and for real-life practice. Together with AÜW, we are thus actively supporting the transition to a new energy mix.”

Pending clearance from competition authorities, Siemens will acquire a 49% share in the AÜW subsidiary ‘egrid Applications & Consulting GmbH’.