New collaborations bring numerous initiatives and solutions.
ABOVE: The second annual Smart Grid World Forum sponsored by State Grid Corporation of China in partnership with IEEE created a unique opportunity for collaboration among industry executives, leaders in the academic and research community, policy makers and government officials as they contribute to the evolution of smart grid.
IEEE experienced exceptional global growth in 2011, opening doors to new market opportunities, advancing product innovation, and expanding IEEE programs to address local community needs. IEEE also formed new international partnerships with leading organizations to advance its position as a global catalyst for people who discover, develop, and deliver technology solutions.
On the Web, at conferences, and on the ground, IEEE made an impact and increased its visibility in some of today’s fastest-growing technology fields.
IEEE: A Leader of Smart Grid Initiatives
As an organization with global reach and partnerships, IEEE continued to be a driving force in the movement to help nations achieve energy independence, a sustainable environment, and economic growth through the development of smart grid.
Leading the way was the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), which released or developed nearly 100 standards relevant to smart grid, including IEEE 2030™, the first cross-discipline guideline for smart grid interoperability for the power engineering, communications, and information technology industries. In 2011, IEEE-SA launched the first long-term project on communications, which will explore smart grid beyond IEEE 2030.
Also in 2011, research groups were created to review power magnetic (solid-state transformers), wireless charging of electric vehicles, nano and molecular communications, and non-crashing vehicles. Their efforts will spur groundbreaking standardization and drive the future of electric power generation and distribution.
The IEEE Smart Grid™ Web portal grew significantly in 2011, providing expanded knowledge and tools to guide the understanding of smart grid challenges across industries and disciplines. During the year, more than 480,000 pages of information were viewed by visitors from more than 190 countries. The monthly IEEE Smart Grid Newsletter, available on the portal, offers exclusive content and sharp insight from experts actively involved in the development and deployment of smart grid around the world.
Technologists Share Smart Grid Progress
The second annual Smart Grid World Forum was held in Beijing, China, in September 2011, attracting more than 400 attendees from 30 countries. Co-sponsored by IEEE and State Grid Corporation of China, the two-day event created a high-level platform for power sectors from around the world to exchange and share their progress and experiences in smart grid research and construction. The theme “Strong and Smart Grid—The Driving Force for Energy Development in the 21st Century,” guided delegations on a realistic and impartial assessment of the current state-of-the-art developments in smart grids around the world.
IEEE Life Sciences: Pursuing Tomorrow’s Solutions
In February 2011, the IEEE Board of Directors committed to establishing IEEE as a leader in the field of life sciences. Three primary goals were set: coordinate life sciences activities across IEEE, raise IEEE’s public profile in the field, and boost IEEE membership in the life sciences community.
To support these goals, the IEEE Life Sciences Web portal was launched in June 2011. The portal is positioned as the premier global resource for life science technologies, information, and activities, as well as a forum for cross-disciplinary collaboration and problem solving.
During the year, 30 IEEE societies, councils, and committees launched programs to engage the life sciences community. One hundred events dedicated to life sciences were held, including the 2011 International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society in Boston, Mass.
In November, IEEE and the Royal Society of Edinburgh signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining future collaboration opportunities, which included projects in life sciences.
IEEE Cloud Computing Initiative: Rising to the Challenge
IEEE is committed to the evolution of cloud computing. In 2011, the IEEE Cloud Computing Initiative was launched to inform and inspire innovation in the field. It was the first broad-scope, forward-looking campaign focused on the cloud to be put forth by a global standards development organization.
Two new standards development projects were approved: IEEE P2301™, Draft Guide for Cloud Portability and Interoperability Profiles, and IEEE P2302™, Draft Standard for Intercloud Interoperability and Federation. They are designed to help users develop and build standards-based cloud computing products and outline the governance required to ensure interoperability across the industry.
IEEE extended its leadership in the cloud computing field by organizing two successful seminars: the IEEE System of Systems Engineering Conference in New Mexico, and IEEE Cloud 2011: The 4th International Conference on Cloud Computing in Washington, D.C.
