The Global Smart Grid Federation was established in April 2010 to bring together Smart Grid initiatives from around the world.
Over the past several years, various countries have initiated projects and programs to explore the potential of the new generation of information- and communication-based technologies emerging across the power sector. As these efforts matured, formal public-private initiatives were formed. The first, in 2003, was the GridWise Alliance in the United States. It was followed by similar initiatives in the European Union, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, India, and Ireland. Many other countries are in the formative stages of their own initiatives.
The Global Smart Grid Federation was formed to:
Facilitate the collaboration of national and international Smart Grid nongovernmental organizations and governmental organizations from around the world to conduct and foster research in the application of Smart Grid technologies
Support rapid implementation of Smart Grid technologies by establishing itself as the global center for competency on Smart Grid technologies and policy issues
Foster the international exchange of ideas and best practices on energy issues, including reliability, efficiency, security, and climate change
Create avenues for dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors in countries around the world on issues relating to the deployment of Smart Grid technologies.
Each member organization has a seat on the board of directors, which directs all activities of the Global Smart Grid Federation. The bylaws of the organization will be jointly developed and endorsed by the charter members.