In this report, Technavio’s research experts announce their key market highlights for the global smart connected communities market. Their findings include:
Vendors predicted to leverage advances in converged systems and integrated platforms
The use of smart sensor technologies is supporting the adoption of converged systems and integrated platforms, which include M2M communications and analytics. Smart motion sensors capture information and relay a signal to intelligent systems in case any changes are detected in the activity of residents. The use of sensor technology to support smart projects, such as smart traffic, smart lighting, smart waste management, and smart grids, is therefore on the rise.
One of Technavio’s lead analysts Amit Sharma, who specializes in IT professional services research added, “Fiber optic sensors, are helping build smart waste management systems in many communities. Sensors are embedded in IoT to provide seamless connectivity. For instance, Intel is collaborating with Chungwah Telecom Taiwan, to install sensor-enabled smart poles that capture the information related to traffic, weather conditions, and power consumption in localities.”
Most APAC governments are aligning their policies to support urbanization and creation of smart communities
Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are investing heavily in ICT technologies for developing sustainable community management through smart public services. To that end, Southeast Asian countries are investing more in intelligent transportation systems, smart grid technologies, smart buildings, and smart water management systems.
Governments in APAC are investing in smart technologies to build smart communities that can balance resource demand and supply. Hence, these APAC countries are attracting significant investments from local banks and foreign investors. The Australian government is also investing significantly for promoting smart grids and smart city projects. Riding on this trend, Cisco is providing technology for Smart + Connected Communities to Adelaide’s Smart City studio in South Australia so that citizens and executives can connect to Cisco’s Internet of Everything (IoE) innovation center. Many similar initiatives in other APAC countries are anticipated to immensely benefit this market until 2020.
Smart community grid likely to emerge as the largest segment of the global smart connected communities market by 2020
Smart community grids are next-generation power supply systems that use a smart grid architecture to save electricity. As sustainable development is gaining prominence effective management of power supply systems by using solar and wind energy is helping communities reduce power consumption at minimal costs. Implementation of ICT infrastructure and automated control systems, such as smart grid technologies are anticipated to significantly reduce transmission losses and conserve electricity for future consumption. Further, IT solution, such as data management, real-time analytics, communications systems, and automation technologies designed to manage smart grid architecture will play a key role in helping communities remain connected with power grids by using electricity judiciously.
There are many vendors in the market, who irrespective of their size, are providing smart grid technologies for communities. Leading vendors, such as Toshiba, Cisco, Siemens, ABB, and IBM are some of the leading market vendors providing smart grid technology solutions. eCAMION is another prominent vendor, providing energy storage solutions known as community energy storage (CES), which uses lithium-ion batteries. The company received funding support from the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). Similarly, the Australian government has launched Smart Grid Smart City (SGSC), a USD 100 million project in Australia that is eyed by many potential vendors. The project is funded by the Australian government, in collaboration with Ausgrid, Energy Australia and other technology partners, such as IBM, GE Energy Australia, Sydney Water, and New Castel Council. The aim of the project is to conduct test cases and gather data and perform cost and benefit analyses of smart city projects. The outcomes of the project may drive future decisions by governments, technology suppliers, and consumers, across Australia.
Some of the communities have also tested smart micro-grid projects to reduce power consumption. Smart micro-grid projects based on pulse energy management systems have been successfully implemented in Hartley Bay, British Columbia. The community reduced its diesel consumption with the help of smart devices. These key developments therefore indicate that smart community grids are emerging as the next-generation power supply systems across the globe.
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