The Global Smart Grid Federation (News - Alert) (GSGF), an international collaborative effort among national smart grid associations, announced the addition of European Distribution System Operators (EDSO) for Smart Grids as a new member in the Federation.  

EDSO for Smart Grids is committed to promoting the reliability of electricity distribution grids representing European Distribution System Operators. The organization is involved in these efforts by structuring, leading and enhancing cooperation for the electricity network of the future, bringing Smart Grids from vision to reality.

Global Smart Grid Federation was launched in July 2010 at the Smart Grid Ministerial in Washington, D.C.

By welcoming members like EDSO for Smart Grids, the Global Smart Grid Federation can facilitate the global sharing of best practices, find workable solutions around barriers to the deployment of smart grid technologies; increase consumer engagement; and promote innovation and capacity building.

"The EDSO membership, representing 27 distribution companies from sixteen countries of the European Union, will greatly enhance the reach of the GSGF and make it an even more effective advocate in helping governments to understand the challenges and benefits of smart grid deployment," said Guido Bartels, GSGF chairman, in a statement.

With the addition of EDSO for Smart Grids, GSGF now includes nine members. The others joining EDSO for Smart Grids are GridWise Alliance (U.S.), India Smart Grid Forum, Japan Smart Community Alliance, Korea Smart Grid Association, Smart Grid Australia, Smart Grid Canada, Smart Grid GB (Great Britain), and Smart Grid Ireland.

"EDSO for Smart Grids is pleased to be joining the Global Smart Grid Federation," said Per-Olof Granstrom, EDSO secretary general, in a statement.  "Smart Grid development is an important factor in building a sustainable energy future.  The ability to collaborate on a global scale will result in a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."