Archives

Housing manufacturers are expanding products and services for next-generation energy-saving housing.

On Tuesday 22 Nov 11, Hawaii’s state government signed a memorandum of understanding for a $37 million smart grid project with Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). NEDO, which is part of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), will develop and install smart utility system controls on the island of …

Hitachi Ltd. and the Chinese city of Chongqing have agreed to cooperate on a broad range of environment-related themes, the Japanese conglomerate said Monday.

Landis+Gyr AG, a Swiss maker of smart meters, will work more closely with parent Toshiba Corp. so the Japanese group can supply smart-grid-related products and services as a single package, handling everything from smart meters to regional power management systems, President Andreas Umbach said in an interview with The Nikkei.

Fujitsu Ltd. hopes to make use of its advanced information technology to bid for so-called smart city projects.

NEC Corp., the University of Tokyo and a government-backed research institute plan to develop a new type of power grid that would make it easier to tap renewable energy sources.

The Asian Development Bank plans to provide full support for projects to develop smart grid systems in emerging Asian economies.

Japanese companies with the technical prowess to develop highly efficient renewable energy systems are looking to lead the global market, with several firms setting up operations in Europe and elsewhere.

ABB Ltd., IBM Corp., General Electric Co. and other foreign firms are bringing their smart-grid technology to the Japanese market, anticipating a move by policymakers toward using information technology to control electricity demand.

Japan’s nuclear crisis has heightened interest in renewable energy and conservation technologies, and companies from around the world are eyeing opportunities in this country.