7th Symposium of the Consortium for Rapid Smart Grid Impact (CRSGI)
April 23-24 in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hosted by the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Introduction
Since April of 2014, CRSGI, funded by the United States State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through the Global Innovation Institute (GII) has grown into a true global organization that promotes global research related to smart grids. The research framework includes 1) research tool development, 2) research scholar and student mobility, 3) engagement with stakeholders, and 4) knowledge exchange related smart grids applications. The past symposiums and workshops were held in United Sates, Brazil, UK, and India, sharing research tools, survey tools, tutorials related energy management practice, etc. among member universities. This first phase funding was limited to developing the global research framework necessary to promote smart grid goals to all segments every community in the World regardless of their economic status. The membership, starting with three universities from UK, Brazil, and UK, has expanded to include universities from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and China.
Purpose of the 7th Symposium
Starting from the 7th Symposium, CRSGI members are ready to initiate smart grid pilot projects and moving into the natural extension of the smart grids, the EV infrastructures. As wealthy countries are attempting to integrate larger EVs, transitional countries are interested in integrating smaller vehicles like electric taxis, e-scooters and e-bikes but in large numbers. University, industry, and community partnerships can make this global interest sustainable reality. CRSGI will employ its Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment model to develop projects with immediate impact in the society with measurable outcomes. The symposium will bring international academic leaders, industry pioneers, and financial experts together to initiate projects from university based hubs.