Scroll down for quick takes from Council partners.
Oracle to invest in computer science education in Europe
Council Lead Partner Oracle will invest $1.4 billion in computer science and coding education throughout Europe. The investment will be in the form of both in-kind and direct financial contributions over a three-year period through the company's Oracle Academy which has worked in more than 100 countries to provide computer science education from kindergarten through college levels. The investment will provide curriculum, software and professional development for computer science teachers.
Sensus wins North Carolina water system contract
Lead Partner Sensus has been chosen to modernize the water distribution network for the Richmond County Water Department. The contract includes meters, a communications system, data analytics and Sensus Software-as-a-Service. The department has 520 miles of water lines in its 480-square mile service area and the new technologies will help it quickly detect leaks, remotely turn on service for homes and businesses and improve overall operating efficiency and customer service.
Enel's combined geothermal-hydropower plant said to be a first
Council Associate Partner Enel's subsidiary, Enel Green Power North America, has started operation of an integrated geothermal-hydrpower plant in Utah. The facility had been in operation since 2013, but the addition of hydro generator technology increased the plant's output by 1,008 MWh. Francesco Venturini, head of Enel's Global Renewable Energies, said the plant is the first of its kind to employ the generator technology.
Schneider Electric launches next-generation IoT solution
Lead Partner Schneider Electric has released a new version of its EcoStruxure architecture and platform to provide IoT-enabled solutions for its building, grid, industry and data center customers. The company says the new version is open, scalable and interoperable and designed to enhance safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability and connectivity in IoT-related operations.
Solar canopies will provide 25% of a Massachusetts town's power
The progressive community of Wayland, Massachusetts will use solar canopies to provide about 25% of the community's power. Council Associate Partner Ameresco installed solar systems at the local high school, middle school and two town buildings. Wayland is one of the first in the area to complete multiple solar projects and one of a small number to install solar canopies.
Daimler plans $11 billion spend on EV development
Council Lead Partner Daimler plans to spend $11 billion on electric vehicle development. The investment includes six all-electric cars, including three new Smart EVs. The company wants to have 10 EVs based on the same architecture on the road by 2025.
Ooredoo's executive team recognized
Council Lead Partner Ooredoo won "Best Executive Team Award for the Telecom Sector" at the Arab Awards 2016 event. The new event recognizes accomplishments in governance and leadership, business excellence and sports, social and community contributions. The company received the award because of its management style and specifically for leadership in data in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Doug Peeples is a Portland, Oregon-based writer specializing in technology and energy. Follow @smartccouncil on Twitter.
