Govt backs smart communities project with Japan

 An upgrade on cooperation between companies from both countries and agencies SPIRIT from Slovenia and NEDO from Japan, the project could begin to get implemented in the first half of 2016.

According to a press release issued after the government session on Thursday, the project will test new technologies and solutions in working smart networks.

As such it will contribute to the goal of establishing a comprehensive concept of smart electronic energy network in Slovenia, the Government Communication Office said.

Another goal is to stimulate long-term strategic partnerships, use of systemic changes in applications not yet in the market and use of the country's spatial and demographic features.

A feasibility study has been drawn up, based on which talks will be conducted on the implementation of the project and on a cooperation agreement between Slovenian and Japanese businesses.

If the talks are successful, the project could be launched in the first half of 2016 and continue to be implemented through 2018.

A monitoring period would follow and the ownership of the equipment used would be transferred to a relevant institution in sole state ownership.

Apart from EU funds and the contribution from the state, part of the financing would also come from the participating companies, energy utilities and local communities.

Funding would be earmarked as part of a measure to boost R&D for the demonstration of Slovenian technological solutions for integrated management of distribution networks, electricity consumption management and comprehensive management of energy within smart networks.

A letter of intent for the implementation of the project was signed in spring 2014 by the SPIRIT agency for the promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation and investment and the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

A consortium has also been formed including eleven Slovenian companies such as Iskraemeco, Iskratel, Kolektor and Robotina as well as the Japanese concern Hitachi.

The Slovenia Times