Atmel to supply Portugal with PRIME-compliant smart grid solutions

PARIS – Atmel Corp. and Labelec SA, a subsidiary of Electricidade de Portugal (EDP), said they have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding to develop smart grid solutions compliant with the inter-operative powerline communication (PLC) standard powerline intelligent metering evolution (PRIME) standard.

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The PRIME Alliance aims to development of a new open, public and non-proprietary telecommunications architecture which supports present and future AMM functionalities and enables the building of the electricity networks of the future, or smart grids. The goal is to establish a complete set of international standards which will allow for full interoperability among equipment and systems from different providers.

The PRIME reference model is based on protocol layering.



Under the terms of the MoU, Atmel and Labelec said they are collaborating on field tests and support to define the adequate solutions using PLC PRIME technology for the Portuguese market prior to a mass smart grid roll-out in the short term.

PRIME is the adequate technology for Portugal, noted Miguel Ángel Sánchez Fornié, chairman of the PRIME Alliance. "The collaboration between Atmel and Labelec SA will enable the successful roll-out of smart metering systems to this region and provide consumers the real-time, two-way capabilities demanded by the growing number of smart grid applications. We are delighted to see activities oriented to massive deployments that reinforce the use of a well proven technology."

Portugal will potentially serve 7 million smart grid users, partners concluded.

See related links:

Modern power line communication for the smart grid

Open communications for the smart grid

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The Advanced Smart Grid--Edge Power Driving Sustainability (Part 2 of 2)

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