Not only a smart grid, but smart appliances. GE is beginning small-scale testing on its first line of smart appliances. GE, along with many US utility companies, are working hard to install a 'smart grid'. Currently, utility companies dump electricity on the grid, but they have no idea how the electricity is used.
WIth a smart grid, utility companies will learn where electricity is use and determine where it is wasted. This will help to reduce electricity production to what is necessary. Through reducing electricity need, we can decrease the amount of renewables required to replace coal and gas power plants.
In addition to a smart grid, GE is now working on smart appliances. These appliances will be hooked into the smart grid, allowing utility companies to manage peak electricity loads and also save customers electricity costs. Cutting back on electricity use is the easiest (and cheapest) way to go green. Through the new smart grid and smart appliances, Masdar City aims to be a carbon-neutral city by generating all electricity through photovoltaics, solar-thermal, and wind.
Currently, GE is testing the system with 10 individuals. The goal is to expand the system to sustain 40,000 in a $22 billion project. The 40,000 individuals living in the zero-emissions city will work in green technology and manufacturing jobs.
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