eSmart Systems has of July 1st entered a partnership agreement with Atea. This partnership is strategic both in terms of innovation and concrete sale of eSmart Systems’ solutions.
With access to world leading technology such as Internet of Things (IoT), very effective management of extreme amounts of data and Artificial Intelligence, eSmart Systems already has the competence and technology others will be talking about tomorrow
He says there is already great interest in this type of technology from several customer segments, such as “power and energy”, “smart buildings and cities” and “welfare”.
Norway is a country with a wide geographical diversity and local challenges – which need local understanding. As society changes, Atea’s strength lies in our local offices which are able to give customized advice and solutions
Jacobs says
The CEO of eSmart Systems, Knut H. H. Johansen, believes Atea will become an important partner for further innovation and sale of eSmart Systems’ technology.
This is an important partnership agreement for eSmart Systems. Atea covers a majority of the Norwegian and Nordic market. Through this cooperation, we will be able to deliver competitive solutions to the energy-, health- and municipal sector
says Johansen
Jacobs adds that with Atea’s wide knowledge and solutions from among others eSmart Systems, they will be able to help their customers into the future.
eSmart Systems are at the forefront of platform development for IoT and other exciting solutions to various industries. The platform they are offering is very impressive. Combined with Atea’s knowledge, this cooperation can be used for providing our customers with smarter solutions containing machine learning and analytics, enabling them to take advantage of various sensor technologies and collect data which can provide valuable insight, the CEO of Atea says.
About Atea Norway (Atea AS):
Atea is the leading IT supplier in Norway, with wide knowledge and competence within all fields of the IT infrastructure market. The company has 1650 employees and is located in 25 cities all over Norway. The Atea Group is the Nordic and Baltic’ largest, plus Europe’s second largest supplier of IT infrastructure. The company had a 31,2 mrd NOK turnover in 2016.
EMPOWER is a R&D project meant to contribute to reaching the EU climate goals regarding the usage of more renewable energy. Recently, eSmart Systems with consortium partners reached an important project milestone.
Friday, June 23rd 2017, partners from Norway, Germany and Spain met at the eSmart Systems headquarters in Halden to observe a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT-test) related to the project EMPOWER.
EMPOWER is a research and development project with a duration of three years. It lies under the EU-program Horizon 2020. EMPOWER started in January 2015, has a 60 MNOK budget and is meant to contribute to reaching the EU climate goals regarding the usage of more renewable energy.
eSmart Systems has developed a system which helps prosumers (users who also produce power) to gain a better overview of their own power consumption, and to save money by producing and storing power in a more effective and smart way. The system also permits sales of new services for power- and service providers. An important part of the delivery is flexibility management as needed for power utilities, something which can contribute to a reduced need for grid expansion.
Put to Trial
During the FAT-testing, the system delivery from eSmart Systems was put to trial, with testing of functionality for prosumer management, contract management and flexibility management.
The testing went as expected. We conducted a detailed test of functionality, with data collected from – among other – from the pilot area at Hvaler. Now, we are working toward making the solution more robust before the pilot activities this fall
We were presented a comprehensive system solution which connects customers, markets and power utilities together in a whole new way. The systems is developed with good functionalities and has a user-friendly and attractive interface. This is a product which will have a short way to a larger, European market, and which will be a great tool for realizing a functional flexibility market. In Norway, this platform will perfectly fit provident power providers developing their business concepts to also include the revenues of flexibility. Norgesnett sees great opportunities, both in terms of efficient operations and good investments, in purchasing flexibility in such a market and such a system
For eSmart Systems, there lies great business potential in utilizing these system solutions in various new solutions. The EMPOWER functionalities are already being requested by companies and partners in the energy industry taking digitalization seriously. We are looking forward to working on implementing the EMPOWER-solutions to our customers
After the FAT-testing, further work consists of strengthening the solution towards the next phase of the project – testing of the system solution in the pilot areas of Malta, Germany and Norway (Hvaler). This will be done during fall 2017.
More about EMPOWER:
The EMPOWER concept aims to encourage and enable the active participation of citizens who consume and produce energy in the electrical system. It is based on the insight that a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and an increase of energy efficient appliances require radical changes in the way we produce, consume and manage energy resources. The goal of EMPOWER is therefore to develop an entirely new energy market in Europe where consumers can buy and sell locally produced energy from solar panels, micro wind turbines and other decentralized energy production, as well as offering flexible load to relieve central and regional infrastructure. This will be demonstrated and tested in three pilot site cities across Europe – in Germany, Norway and Malta.
EMPOWER is not only a project compromised of a sustainable energy future, but also an example of synergy among industry and university. The consortium is constituted by very diverse entities:
- Norgesnett (NO)
- Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency (MT)
- NewEn Projects GmbH (DE)
- Schneider Electric Norge AS (NO)
- Smart Innovation Norway (NO)
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – CITCEA (ES) University of St. Gallen (CH)
- eSmart Systems AS (NO)
In November 2017, national politician Jonas Gahr Støre expressed a wish to work as a summer intern at eSmart Systems. Friday, June 23rd, his wish was fulfilled.
Jonas has contributed to Connected Drone and is effectively coding according to best practices. He values quality in his work and executes his profession with pride. During his rather short time in the company, Jonas became a natural centerpiece and has with his glow and interest been a good resource to his colleagues.
This is an excerpt from the work certificate the national politician and prime minister-candidate Jonas Gahr Støre received after his first (and last) day as a Summer Intern at eSmart Systems June 2017.
Minimum Wages
– That was amazing, I am almost touched, was Støre’s immediate reaction after the “judgment” was read out loud. Where as he quickly added:
– Maybe we can negotiate the salary now?, to the laugh from the many employees who were listening. Because after a presentation of the company and their most important projects, Støre’s internship started – as it should – with the review and signing of an employment contract. The pay? Zero.
– It’s fine, assured the Labour Party-leader.
The contract also said that “the employee shall, to the best of his ability, use knowledge and experience gained through his position, for the greater good of community and industry.”
– A wonderful wording, Støre exclaimed.
Learning to Code
Støre and his advisor for the day, NRK TV-host Live Nelvik (with a TV team), were handed, and changed into, shirts with the eSmart Systems logo.
– My job today is to give Jonas some tips for being popular in the working environment, because politicians are often a bit stiff. I am here to break down the wall, so to say, Nelvik said with a smile.
The new summer intern then took place in front of a computer, where he logged in with his unique user – created for the occasion.
Now, you are going to use artificial intelligence in the form of image recognition to detect faults along power lines
Wishes to Understand Digitalization
Støre nodded and carefully followed the instructions he was given. The politician seemed engaged and curious, and asked several questions along the way.
I have gained a further understanding of the importance of digitization and how we can use it to solve problems within social services. I will probably never be a programmer, but I have ambitions to understand more about how technology can be a tool for solving tasks in the community, “he emphasized after finishing his work at eSmart Systems.
Afterwards, he received a good lunch and distribution of the exceptionally good work certificate.
A Helping Hand
Neither Støre, nor his temporary advisor Live Nelvik, tried to conceal that they liked what they saw and heard at Remmen Kunnskapspark this day in June.
I do not think politicians are necessarily very up to date on future technology, but they need to be in order to manage this country. If not, they will build hospitals as if five years of technological progress is worth nothing. They must understand that the world will look different in twenty years, and that the changes will happen very fast. That is why I think Jonas being here today, is a way of trying to reach out a helping hand for more knowledge, which is good to see, commented Live Nelvik.
What we have experienced today, is very exciting. That is what I thought the last time i was visiting eSmart Systems, and that is what I think after visiting them again today. I would very much like to come here again – prefferably as prime minister of Norway, Støre revealed. He continued:
I would like to quote my Swedish colleague, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, when asked if he feared new technology. He replied: “No, I fear old.” We must stick to that.
Wednesday, June 21st, eSmart Systems and Telenor hosted a digitalization seminar at Remmen Business Park in Halden. Representatives from many of the municipalities in the Østfold region were present to learn about which possibilities lie within a smart utilization of data.
Municipalities own vast amounts of data, but do they optimize the use of these data? At the Smart Municipality Digitalization Seminar, representatives from Hvaler, Rygge, Halden, Fredrikstad, Rømskog, Råde, Sarpsborg and Vestby Municipality, as well as the Hospital Østfold and the Østfold county council, listened to eSmart Systems’ and Telenor’s visions regarding tools for becoming a smart and digital municipality.
The municipalities themselves also shared their experiences regarding their Smart City; Hvaler municipality presented new and innovative services where they utilize solar power and generate smart services regarding water supply. Sarpsborg Municipality gave an interesting introduction to their efforts in healthcare technology, and how they now have a more efficient and cost-effective value chain by using technology.
Halden municipality talked about their visions of becoming a smart city and used their innovative services within renovation and healthcare to prove that they are well on their way.
DISCUSSIONS: Representatives from Telenor, eSmart Systems and various municipalities in Østfold, discussed opportunities for digitalization – both from stage and during breaks.
The world is never going to be the same again – luckily! The need for sustainability demands the ability to change, and even though it is hard, we are going to take part in this change
Attractive Municipalities
The Ministry of Local Government and Modernization advises all Norwegian municipalities to use cloud-based services, which was quite unthinkable only a few years ago.
About 70 percent of those at the age of 60 or older, thought the same when it comes to healthcare. These surveys prove that the adaption of technology to improve public services have come a long way in only a few years.
Looking for Gold
Elisabeth Karlsen, Head of Products in eSmart Systems, enthusiastically tells us:
Data is actually quite sexy! You have to start looking for new gold in your existing data. I am sure you will get valuable insight and see new relations that you did not know existed. How can you set your climate goals for the future if you lack insight about the present situation?
ENGAGED: Elisabeth Karlsen from eSmart Systems spoke of the importance of gaining insight from the data one collects.
She presented that data analysis through machine learning and predictive models are excellent tools to achieve better insight and decisions. For example, it could predict air pollution, traffic jams or slippery roads, based on various parameters and data sources. These results can then be presented to desired channel surfaces and prevent unpleasant or potentially dangerous events for the population.
– Involving the citizens and employees have never been easier, Karlsen says.
– What is important to our inhabitants, is important to us, says Velvestad.
eSmart Systems is actively working to strengthen the company’s position both nationally and globally. In August, our first office in Oslo was opened.
eSmart Systems is rapidly expanding and we look forward to being permanently established in Oslo. This will make the work situation more effective, both for our own employees, our customers and our partners
The Oslo office will be the second office in Norway – the headquarters in Halden as the first. In addition to this, eSmart Systems has offices in Germany, UK, US, Asia, Demark and quite recently also Sweden.
The new office space of eSmart Systems is located in Dronning Eufemias gate (the Visma building) at Barcode in Oslo.
Read also: eSmart Systems to Open Office in North Dakota
See also: Open positions
eSmart Systems participated in a commercial, research and innovation delegation visit to India 6.-10.2.17, hosted by NCE Smart Energy Markets and Innovation Norway’s office in New Delhi.
The goal of this visit were to develop business and research cooperation with Indian energy industry andgovernmental organizations. One of the hosts for the visit was Powergrid Corporation of India, one of the world’s largest grid companies, which NCE Smart Energy Markets signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with.
During the delegation visit, eSmart Systems also participated in a match-making workshop organized by RCN, Innovation Norway, Royal Norwegian Embassy, DST and IIT Delhi. As part of the workshop a joint call on industrial research within the field of Renewable Energy were presented.
The objectives of the workshop were:
- To allow Indian and Norwegian partners from industry and academia to meet and exchange ideas for future development
- To form partnerships for joint projects to be submitted to the call
Participants:
- Norwegian industrial partners
- Indian industrial partners
- Norwegian research/academic partners
- Indian research/academic partners
- Organizing institutions: RCN, Innovation Norway, Royal Norwegian Embassy, DST, IIT Delhi
Norgesnett and eSmart Systems have signed an agreement for the delivery of Connected Grid.
After a two and half year industrial research and development program to develop eSmart Systems’ Connected Grid, Norgesnett is now live. The IRD project has been a collaboration between Norgesnett, Sogn og Fjordane Energi, Glitre Energi Nett, Ringeriks-Kraftnett and eSmart Systems. Program funding was contributed by Innovation Norway.
Connected Grid is Norgesnett’s core system for AMI reading and management.
What’s most exciting with this platform is its capacity to perform advanced analytics on large volumes of data in real time through its use of machine learning and cloud-based computing power
Connected Grid is an intelligent top system that provides utility companies decision support for optimal operation, maintenance and planning of grids. The system collects data from internal and external sources, perform real-time analysis, and visualize data in dashboards designed for smarter, faster and better decisions.
We are very pleased that one of the most forward-leaning and innovative grid operators in Norway decide to go in operative use with Connected Grid. This will bring results in terms of reduced costs, increased efficiency and most importantly, a better service
We are only in the starting blocks of tremendous changes ahead. Over the next few years we’ll see major changes in how power grids are managed and operated. Connected Grid is Norgesnett’s most important digital investment in its bid to realize a truly smart grid
Thursday June 1st, eSmart Systems hosted the most important arrangement in the company’s history so far. The Connected Drone Launch brought 120 customers and partners to Halden, reached over 21.000 people by live stream and was broadcasted on the radio in Fargo, USA.
Grid operators, partners and customers from all over Norway were invited for the big happening at Remmen Business Park in Halden June 1st. 2017. Interested parties from Germany, Denmark and Sweden were also represented.
The day offered major demonstrations, presentations and surprises.
eSmart Systems’ R&D project Connected Drone started in January 2016, with a planned duration of three years. Up until now, it has “only” been a project, but with the launch on Thursday 1st., Connected Drone is also hitting the market as a product ready for use.
This is the most important arrangement in eSmart Systems’ history. We want to communicate to the world that we now have a product which can totally change the way one uses inspection data
The project goal is to make power line inspections safer and less expensive, by taking advantage of drones equipped with Artificial Intelligence
World Wide Launch
The Connected Drone launch was not limited to concern only Norwegian and European participants. Representatives from eSmart Systems were also launching Connected Drone in Fargo, USA, at the very same time as in Halden. As in Halden, this was a great success. See the product launch video here:
Revolutionizing Grid Operations
eSmart Systems’ drone project is revolutionary – never before has there been anything like this software available on the market.
What makes the project unique, is that we use such a diversity of new technology, that has to be able to function together in ways it has never done earlier
Lie says
This summer’s launch is just the beginning of eSmart Systems’ drone adventure. For even though the project has now resulted in a product, the research and development of new and better solutions continues.
We have proved we can fly drones. We can fly them far and we can provide and analyze amounts of data that previously would take one person a year – in less than an hour. All because of an Artificial Intelligence we are continuously making smarter; Which in itself is quite sensational
says Lie
With many of the most important actors in Scandinavia present at the launch in Halden, the Project Manager hopes soon to be able to take Connected Drone even further.
Good to Go
And just as Tore Lie had hoped for, the second phase of the Connected Drone project was approved by the project’s management group no more than 12 hours after the launch of June 1st.
Our team has worked intensively towards the launch and they have all been amazing. All grid companies have expressed they were greatly impressed. A “thumbs up” for further development of Connected Drone was great and extremely important!
Parts of this article is taken from NCE:Smart Innovation Norway.
ASKO Vestby has chosen eSmart Systems and Connected Building as their solution to gain improved overview of energy production and consumption factors.
ASKO will use these insights to reduce energy costs through power management by better controlling, among other things, effects on joint tariff contracts, ensuring the most use of solar power production in their own plants, and exploiting market price differences. This will be achieved by collecting real-time values into eSmart Systems’ platform, presenting overviews in dashboards and eventually using big data analytics and optimization for advanced decision support.
Ambitious climate targets
By 2020, ASKO aims to reduce energy consumption of their properties by 20% and to source 100% of its energy requirements from renewables. At the same time, all transport vehicles will run on renewable fuels.
ASKO’s Vestby plant is a giant grocery logistics facility. Underway is a large-scale placement of roof solar cells, which will be completed in the spring of 2017 making ASKO Vestby Norway’s largest solar power plant.
The agreement between the companies is twofold consisting of a pilot project and a proof-of-concept.
ASKO is a very assertive and innovative company that takes the green shift seriously. It’s through such demanding customers that eSmart Systems verifies and further develops our solutions. We are therefore very pleased to have secured this agreement
The project commences in January 2017.