Greentech Lead America: Itron, a provider of smart
metering solution, has formed a strategic alliance with Panasonic Corporation
to develop a smart meter platform tailored to the Japanese market.
The companies will utilize their combined global
experience and local presence to offer a smart metering solution that will meet
Japan’s electric utilities’ needs and requirements today and into the future.
In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has
mandated the adoption of smart meters over the next 10 years for nearly 80
million electric meters to help manage energy supply and demand. Smart meters
allow the country to implement multiple technology and power generation
alternatives to compensate for the nearly 30 percent loss in nuclear power
generation.
As part of the agreement, Itron will design, develop and
deliver an Itron smart meter with its 3G cellular communications to Panasonic.
Because of the inherent flexibility in Itron’s technology, the solution will
support multiple communication options, including cellular, RF mesh and Power
Line Carrier to meet specific business needs and geographies.
With this collaboration, Panasonic will expand its
communications product line to the smart meter business, contributing to the
realization of an ecological and smart-enabled society via home energy
management systems.
Philip Mezey, president and COO of Itron Energy, said,
“Itron’s technology will help the people of Japan realize their energy
management and conservation goals.”