The USA and Australia are two countries that are leading the world in smart grid development and in October 2009, as part of its economic recovery package, the US government awarded over $3.4 billion of matching grants for the development of smart grids. The funding will underpin more than $8 billion worth of intelligent energy technology projects and will provide a significant stimulus to growth of this sector.
In Australia, the alliance known as Smart Grid Australia requested funding for a smart grid demonstration project and the Government responded with the provision of AU$100 million for a National Energy Efficiency Initiative to develop an innovative smart-grid energy network. Combining broadband with intelligent grid technology and smart meters in homes, this demonstration project will enable greater energy efficiency and better integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
via BuddeBlog .
