Natural resources are being depleted at a rapid rate.  The development of better electrical, water distribution and treatment systems not only allows for more efficient use of the existing infrastructure, but can future-proof them against changing population trends and usage patterns making them more scalable, flexible and resilient.

EU Member States are currently rolling out a series of multi-billion pound infrastructure investment programmes in water and electrical distribution systems.  The UK alone will need to invest £60 billion between now and 2020 in electrical infrastructure to meet the demand for energy security and the grid connection with renewable energy technologies.  This will result in significant opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses.

What will the session cover?

The main challenge will be the building of electrical and water distribution and treatment systems that measure, monitor and control usage to meet demand.  Smart ICT can deliver savings of up to 15 percent through the monitoring and control of motor systems, logistics, building technologies and Smart Grid Systems to better manage networks.

Terence Clark from Computer Associates will open this session and discuss the progress CA are making in this field.  He will be followed by Durk Krol from the European Federation of National Associations of Water Suppliers and Waste Water Services.  Durk will discuss the EU water and electrical monitoring plans and the opportunities for growth in this area throughout Europe.

A number of local businesses who are currently operating in this sector will also deliver a series of short presentations.  They will share their experiences on how they have achieved considerable success in both local and international markets. 

What are the business opportunities?

The main areas of opportunity in this area include:

• software design for the integration of control systems
• electrical and mechanical installation and maintenance
• construction and civil works
• research-led opportunity prototype testing
• solution licensing.

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