Technology available today can be employed to create viable, sustainable, smart cities. That will be the message that Bob Gilligan, vice president—transmission and distribution for GE Energy Services, will deliver to delegates at the Chatham House conference, “The Future of Cities.” More than 100 representatives, technology innovators, academia and business leaders from cities throughout the world are meeting in London this week to discuss the challenges faced by cities that are growing at record rates. Mr. Gilligan’s Feb. 9 keynote address will kick off a day of discussion on city infrastructure.

“With cities using 75% 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.”

As the migration from rural areas to cities continues, GE is already deploying solutions that are enabling growth while reducing carbon footprints on six continents. GE’s smart grid solutions are changing the ways utilities, governments, businesses and consumers interact with energy.
Read More