Alstom Grid successfully passes IEC interoperability test for standardisation of smart grid solutions

Alstom Grids key control room IT solutions recently passed the Interoperability Test organized by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), the leading global organization that publishes international standards for electric and electronic products, systems and services. This global certification recognizes Alstoms leadership and successful involvement in the development of the Common Information Model (CIM)² standard for the global electricity market. 

The IEC Working Group 14, which organised the test, is in charge of managing the IEC 61968 standards, which facilitates the integration of the software applications in the electrical networks.

This Interoperability test was focused on network operations, network maintenance and construction, and in particular on the interface between control systems and asset management systems3.

Laurent Schmitt, Vice-President Smart Grid Solutions at Alstom Grid, declared: We are proud to have successfully completed this IEC Interoperability Test, and to contribute to the advancement of the CIM standard for the whole electrical industry. Standards represent an essential pillar in Smart Grid development and networks interconnections in the coming years. Alstom intends to remain a driving force in the establishment of internationally recognised standards, fully applicable by all utilities to evolve their systems into Smart Grid-ready infrastructures.   

The Smart Grid market extends across the entire energy value chain, from power generation, through electrical grid management, down to the end-user, and transforms the traditional electrical grid management by infusing it with information technologies. Smart Grids increase energy efficiency, reinforce reliability and stability, and allows integration of new renewable and carbon-free energy sources.

About Alstom  

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world. It provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 93,000 people in more than 70 countries, and had sales of over 23 billion* in 2009/10. (*Pro forma figures) 

Alstom Grid, the newest sector of Alstom, has over 100 years of expertise in electrical grids. Whether for utilities or electro-intensive industries or facilitating the trading of energy, Alstom Grid brings power to their customers projects.  Alstom Grid ranks among the top 3 in electrical transmission sector with a sales turnover of approximately 3.5 billion in 2009. It has 20,000 employees and over 90 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide. Its four main business areas are Products, Systems, Automation and Service. At the heart of the development of Smart Grid, Alstom Grid offers products, services and integrated energy management solutions across the full energy value chainfrom power generation, through transmission and distribution grids and to the large end user.   

Press Contacts

Emmanuelle Helleux (Alstom Grid) - Tel :  +33 1 49 01 70 87

emmanuelle.helleux@alstom.com 

Website www.grid.alstom.com and 

1 The test was effected with Alstoms e-terrascada and e-terradistribution software solutions for network control rooms, both using open architectures and web services.

2 CIM is taking an increasingly important role in supporting utilities in the integration of their systems within smart grid configurations. The 61968 standards use the Common Information Model (CIM) to allow information exchanges within and between electrical networks.

3 Including parts 3, 4, 6 and 13 of the IEC 61968 series.