Energy management and efficiency has become a crucial issue these days, spurred on by statistics that suggest there will not be enough power plants in the world within the next couple of years. ZigBee technology — with its ability to deliver solutions that can help consumers, businesses and utilities improve efficiency, reduce the need for new power plants and save money — is expected to play an increasingly important role in this emerging segment of the industry. For more information on ZigBee and its role in energy management and efficiency, please refer to the resources provided below.
The ZigBee Alliance is an association of global companies working together to enable reliable, cost-effective, low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control solutions based on an open global standard. These solutions can be used in energy, residential, commercial and industrial applications. The organization is more than 225 alliance members strong and has a presence in 24 countries spanning six continents. Thanks to its focus on fighting the predicted global energy crisis, membership from utility companies and energy suppliers continues to increase. Currently, the alliance enjoys strong endorsement of its energy management and efficiency solutions by utility industry and smart energy grid proponents.
Go here for access to a downloadable version of the ZigBee specification, information on certification and compliance options, as well as details on ZigBee energy management and efficiency solutions.
The International Energy Agency acts as energy policy advisor to 26 member countries in its effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its citizens. Founded during the oil crisis of 1973-74, the IEA's current work focuses on climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world, especially major producers and consumers of energy like China, India, Russia and the OPEC countries. With a staff of approximately 150, mainly energy experts and statisticians from its 26 member countries, IEA conducts a broad program of energy research, data compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on good practices.
Go here for the latest reports and analysis on global energy demand and information pertaining to efforts toward increasing energy management and efficiency.
Note that the IEA estimates that 10% of world energy demand could be saved by 2030 simply by seizing available energy efficiency opportunities and applying policies and measures currently under consideration. This outcome would benefit security of supply, economic growth and environmental protection as non-consumed energy, obviously, is the most secure and does not pollute.
Skyrocketing energy costs and rolling blackouts have challenged elected officials to find solutions to the energy problems we face. One innovative answer that will reduce the need to build new energy resources and make conservation and reliability easier to achieve is “smart meter” technology.
In 2000, Californians found out the hard way what it was like to face rolling blackouts every day. In the wake of the 1996 deregulation of its utilities market, California's residents and commercial sectors endured the reality of a long, hot summer as rolling blackouts plagued the state. While not only a nuisance and an inconvenience, the blackouts temporarily slowed one of the world's largest economies and had strong political repercussions. Many individuals may think rolling blackouts are a thing of the past, but they actually give us an ominous indicator of our future if global energy efficiency programs are not implemented soon.
A recent report from the International Energy Agency indicates that if government energy policies do not change, global primary energy demand will grow by 1.6% per year from 2004 to 2030. Worldwide electricity demand will rise to 30,116 billion kilowatt-hours in 2030, more than double the 2003 level. Today, ZigBee is addressing global concern for substantially improved energy efficiency through an open and interoperable standard for demand response, energy management and metering services. This approach will increase energy efficiency in homes, commercial buildings and industrial facilities around the world.
