Capgemini, EDF collaborate for global smart grid projects

Paris-headquartered consulting and information technology services provider Capgemini Group and utility company EDF International Networks have signed an agreement to develop and deploy smart grid projects worldwide.

EDF International Networks, an EDF Group entity that exports electricity network activities internationally, has a strong presence in India. Its local teams have already installed nearly 100,000 prepayment smart meters in the country and have  a target of reaching 5 million meters as a first step.

According to a report by Berg Insight, India is aiming to deploy more than 250 million smart meters in the coming years.

Using digital tools, smart grids provide in-depth knowledge of electricity supply and demand, and enables decentralized development of renewable energies as well as electrified uses.

EDF International Networks and Capgemini will combine their expertise, resources and geographical presence to build common smart grid offerings, according to a statement.

With the partnership, the companies aim to position themselves together on smart metering projects and smart grids initiatives across the globe.

 "The complementary nature of the expertise of two French industry leaders, their resources and their geographical locations, gives us the opportunity to build a unique offering on the market and to contribute to the energy transition," Marie-Line Bassette, chief executive officer of EDF International Networks said.

EDF International Networks is an energy transmission and distribution provider that has deployed large-scale smart metering solutions in international markets including China, Latin America, Europe and Africa. 

Capgemini has led more than 75 projects in the first wave of smart metering. It offers end-to-end services including consulting, deployment, systems integration and metering infrastructures operations.

EDF Renewables, a subsidiary of the French utility EDF Group specializing in renewable energy production, had inked a partnership with Indian green energy firm Bharat Light and Power to deploy Orion, an IoT (Internet of Things) platform providing operation and maintenance solutions for solar and wind energy installations in India. 

The artificial intelligence-powered tool was developed jointly by an EDF Energies subsidiary, which looks after operations and maintenance activity in Europe, and Bharat Light.