BURLINGTON, MA--(Marketwire - May 26, 2010) - KEMA (www.kema.com) and Power Grid Technology Consulting LLC (PGTC) have entered a teaming agreement to provide comprehensive transmission applications support to the electric utility industry. In particular, the collaboration will expand support solutions for utilities implementing flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) and high voltage DC transmission systems (HVDC) to "smarten" their transmission assets and to enhance the reliability and security of their power system operations.
"As transmission systems become more capacity constrained, FACTS devices and HVDC technologies will play increasingly larger roles in maximizing capacities on transmission corridors and stabilizing power deliveries from distant generation sources," said Ron Willoughby, KEMA Vice President. "The Power Grid Technology Consulting team offers a great complement to KEMA's team of experienced consultants -- offering clients enhanced solutions to address their power system planning and management challenges and achieve their operational and performance goals."
Power Grid Technology Consulting owner Dr. Gregory Reed is also Director of the Power & Energy Initiative and a faculty member of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering. Dr. Reed has over 25 years of electric power industry experience, including the development of innovative applications for advanced power delivery and power electronics-based technologies, such as FACTS and HVDC. These technologies facilitate efficient conversion, control and conditioning of electric power supply. Smart power electronic components can sense real-time conditions and make automatic adjustments, enhancing the control and management of power flows. Dr. Reed's background and experience provides an ideal match for the collaboration.
"Utilities are in the early stages of an extensive infrastructure build-out of new power electronics and energy conversion technologies," said Willoughby, "Power electronics ultimately will be needed to interconnect large amounts of distributed sources of electricity such as wind and solar and to implement smarter, more reliable and secure electric energy networks."
KEMA is actively engaged with utility clients worldwide to enhance transmission and distribution system reliability, security and performance. Through developing and implementing strategic plans, KEMA is furthering energy and utility industry's understanding and application of emerging T&D technologies. Since 2008, KEMA has been testing a wide range of power electronics and smart grid components at its advanced "Flex Power Grid" research and testing facility in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
About KEMA
Founded in 1927, KEMA is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. With world headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, KEMA employs more than 1,600 professionals globally with offices and representatives in more than 20 countries. KEMA's US subsidiary, KEMA, Inc., is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts and serves energy clients throughout the Americas and Caribbean.
About Power Grid Technology Consulting LLC
Power Grid Technology Consulting LLC provides technical knowledge-based consulting services and market expertise to the electric power and energy industries, including utilities, manufacturers, and other industry related entities. With over 25 years of industry and academic experience in the electric power and energy arena, the firm offers technical expertise, market insight, and comprehensive support on projects related to electric power and energy systems and technologies.
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