Revolutionizing Our Energy Future: Joint International Smart Grid Demonstration Projects by NEDO

Mr. Go Takizawa, Chief Representative of the Silicon Valley office of NEDO (Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) discusses how smart grid technologies are revolutionizing the energy future landscape.  The electric industry is currently undergoing a massive transformation both on the supply side (e.g. large deployment of renewable energy production facilities) and on the demand side (e.g. the rising popularity of electric vehicles).  Integrating such advanced resources requires innovative "smart grid" technologies and joint collaborative efforts.  Mr. Takizawa will share his insights on the role of public-private partnerships in facilitating the future grid and highlight several international smart grid demonstration projects being carried out by NEDO.  One of Japan's National Research and Development Agencies, NEDO promotes R&D into energy, environmental, and industrial technologies.  It is the largest public R&D funding organization in Japan.  With an annual budget of approximately US$1.5 billion, its areas of focus range from robotics to machinery systems, electronics, materials, nanotech, energy conservation, renewable energy, smart communities, and more.  As Chief Representative of the NEDO Silicon Valley office, Mr. Takizawa is closely involved in NEDO smart grid projects demonstrated in New Mexico and Hawaii. He also initiated an EV and Energy Storage demonstration project in California in partnership with the Office of Governor Jerry Brown. Prior to the NEDO position, he was a Director in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Government of Japan (METI), where he was responsible for auditing electricity price rate increases and planning power supply and demand measures for Japan, as well as for revitalizing a law concerning energy efficiency.  This is a session in our Autumn Quarter weekly series on "International Partnerships for Advanced Intelligent Systems."