Smart grid moves gather momentum

BEIJING - The nation will spell out clear strategies for developing smart grids in its 12th Five Year Plan (2011-15) for the energy industry, as part of its steps to foster use of more clean energy and combat climate change.

The 2011-15 plan will outline the detailed plans for setting up smart grids, said Ouyang Changyu, director of the industry development and planning department under China Electricity Council (CEC). Such projects will constitute an integral part of the nation's energy sector, he said.

The smart grid projects are expected to encompass all aspects of the power industry, including power storage, smart power meters, and electric vehicles, he said.