Smart technology for more efficient energy use in neighbourhoods

Energy efficiency for a sustainable society faces several challenges, not least of which are the rational consumption of available resources and the reduction of environmental pollution. Creating intelligent solutions that control energy production and consumption has enormous potential to optimise efficiency.

Reducing consumption is only a partial solution to achieving energy efficiency, as is applying energy sources without smart management systems, which may lead to grid failures or wasted energy. ‘Renewable energy isn’t available constantly, but rather in peaks,’ says Professor Peter Langendörfer, project coordinator for the EU-funded project e-balance. ‘When a peak occurs without proper consumption, this energy is wasted, such as renewables disconnected from the grid,’ he adds. ‘When energy consumption is high, renewables may not be available.’

Further details: Smart technology for more efficient energy use in neighbourhoods