GE is presenting an outline of GE smart city solutions at the Chatham House conference, “The Future of Cities,” which reportedly discusses the challenges faced by cities that are growing at record rates.

Bob Gilligan, vice president—transmission and distribution for GE Energy Services, is addressing the delegates on how GE smart grid technologies can help build sustainable 21st century cities.

“With cities using 75 percent of the world’s energy and global energy consumption projected to triple by 2050, the choices we make today will determine whether our population centers become sustainable, livable communities,” Gilligan said. 

“The good news is that with a worldwide initiative to increase energy efficiency, control demand and add renewable generation, we can deliver the solutions to meet the needs of our growing cities,” Gilligan added.

GE is at the forefront of smart technology solutions that enable growth while reducing carbon footprints across the globe. GE’s smart grid solutions are changing the ways utilities, governments, businesses and consumers interact with energy.

Recently, GE announced its plans to offer smart grid technology to Chinese customers. The company has set up a smart grid demonstration center in the Yangzhou New Economy and Development Zone in China. The technology engagement at China will include a huge array of GE products that affect energy in homes, on power lines and in a utility’s network control center, company officials said.

New GE technology breakthroughs in Hawaii are helping increase the use of wind and solar power on islands with no domestic source of fossil fuels, company officials said. In Australia, consumers are making smarter energy decisions with information transmitted through WiMAX (News - Alert)-connected smart meters.

In India, GE has deployed outage management systems and advanced geospatial information systems, enabling the country to reduce power interruptions and utilize the resources efficiently. 

Energy Smart Florida is on track to upgrade infrastructure, increase efficiency and add renewable generation throughout America’s fourth most populous state.

“GE is committed to helping shrink carbon production while increasing the energy capacity and reliability that growing cities need to thrive,” Gilligan said. “We already are deploying solutions that are making a difference today, and we have the resources to help cities everywhere plan and implement a healthier energy future.”