ISGAN is an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) that was formally established as an IEA Implementing Agreement at CEM2 in Abu Dhabi, in 2011. ISGAN fulfils all IEA Implementing Agreement reporting and coordination with the Technology Collaboration Program (TCP) under the responsibility of the EUWP and continues its close relationship with the CEM. This relationship provides high visibility to ISGAN and its achievements, including access to high-ranking government and private-sector decision makers. The bridge between the IEA and CEM created by ISGAN is of paramount importance in view of the transfer of the CEM Secretariat under the coordination of IEA.
The smart grid concept captures a range of advanced information, sensing, communications, control and energy technologies, resulting in an electric power system that can intelligently integrate the actions of all connected users – from power generators to electricity consumers to those that both produce and consume electricity (“prosumers”) – to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic, accessible and secure electricity supplies. Due to the pervasive nature of smart grid technologies and the involvement of the entire electricity and energy system, single government initiatives on smart grids cannot work in isolation. ISGAN plays an amalgamating role between government and related private sector in both informal and formal ways. ISGAN focuses its activities on those aspects of smart grids where governments have regulatory authority and expertise, with emphasis on the 5 following strategic objectives: Policy, Standards and Regulations; Finance and Business Models; Technology and System Development; User and Consumer engagement; and Workforce Skills and Knowledge.
In its initial stage, in 2011, the number of signatories of ISGAN amounted to 14 countries. At present ISGAN membership spans over 25 countries, namely: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Korea, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and United States of America. Continuous action is undertaken to enlarge membership towards countries active in the field of smart grid field. The action is both pro-active and reactive. To date, official contacts have been established with the governments of Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Israel and Chile.
The activities of ISGAN are achieved through its Annexes and there are currently 7 operational Annexes in progress as follows:
-Annex 1: Global smart grid inventory (Completed)
- Annex 2: Smart grid case studies
- Annex 3: Cost-benefits analysis and toolkits
- Annex 4: Synthesis of insights for decision makers
- Annex 5: Smart grid International research Facilities Network (SIRFN)
- Annex 6: Power T&D systems
- Annex 7 : Smart grid transitions
- Annex 8 : ISGAN Smart Grid Academy
The Annexe’s Operating Agent is responsible for leading, promoting and coordinating the activities of the Annex, reporting to the ExCo, and leveraging its communication and outreach strategy. Programs of Work are revised and approved on annual basis.
For more information please visit: www.iea-isgan.org