On August 8, Boeing (News - Alert), the world's largest aerospace company, announced a strategic alliance with Siemens, a multinational electronics powerhouse, to develop smart grid technologies that will tighten energy security – and improve both energy management and analysis – for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

The move to raise security levels and upgrade energy management comes several weeks after DOD Deputy Secretary William J. Lynn III announced the nation’s first cyberspace security initiative, soberly noting, “Our assessment is that cyber attacks will be a significant component of any future conflict, whether it involves major nations, rogue states, or terrorist groups.” The deputy secretary also said, “In the 21st century, bits and bytes can be as threatening as bullets and bombs.”

The DOD is the largest energy consumer in the U.S. government. U.S.-based Energy and Germany-based Seimens will provide U.S. military installations with secure microgrid management solutions. Specifically, the alliance's solution will be designed to:

• Augment grid security;
• Reduce operational costs;
• Increase energy efficiency;
• Facilitate analysis, control, and automation of energy processes;
•  Provide real-time data to manage energy use; and
•  Integrate renewable energy sources and storage.

“This collaboration will make a real difference in how the DOD uses energy,” said Tim Noonan, vice president of Boeing Energy. “For years, Boeing has developed secure, networked systems vital to the nation's defense, and bringing this capability to the development of energy security and efficiency is vital for the military's future. Boeing and Siemens' (News - Alert) combined approach will help provide energy independence and critical infrastructure protection to ensure mission success for the U.S. military, at home and abroad.”

“Siemens is the only company worldwide that provides its customers with energy-efficient technologies that enable 'smart' production, transmission and consumption,” said Judy Marks, head of Siemens U.S. Federal Business. “The Siemens and Boeing team has a vision for the United States' energy future, and we're committed to helping the DOD achieve unprecedented levels of power reliability, quality, efficiency and energy independence.”

The Siemens and Boeing alliance offers end-to-end engineering and construction; network and smart grid integration; cyber security; energy efficiency; energy management and storage; next-generation alternative energy integration; climate monitoring; and service, training and maintenance.

To find out more about Siemens, visit the company at ITEXPO West 2011. To be held Sept. 13-15 in Austin, TX,  ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the world’s premier IP communications event. Visit Siemens in booth #908. Siemens is a Gold sponsor of ITEXPO West 2011. Mark C. Straton, senior VP of Global Solutions Marketing at Siemens will be giving a Keynote speech on Tuesday September 13 from 4:30pm-5:30pm

Don’t wait. Register now. 

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