WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) is sponsoring its third annual Award of Excellence competition, with a focus this year on excellence in smart grids for reliable electricity. Projects nominated for the ISGAN competition are also eligible to win the second annual Best Smartgrid Project Award, presented by ISGAN's private sector partner, the Global Smart Grid Federation (GSGF). These prestigious international awards will showcase leadership and innovation in smart grid projects around the world.

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"We are very excited about this year's Award of Excellence competition," stated Michele de Nigris, Chair of ISGAN's Executive Committee. "History has shown that reliable, resilient electricity service plays a critical role for economic growth and prosperity. As a result, ISGAN is especially interested in projects that show a strong economic rationale, such as a compelling business model, reduction in economic losses from grid outages, or other significant benefit."

Paddy Turnbull, Chair of the GSGF Board of Directors said, "We are happy to be partnering again with ISGAN to recognize global leaders in smart grids. For our Best Smartgrid Project Award, the GSGF plans to honor projects that improve electricity reliability through use of information and communications technologies, which are an essential component of smart grids."

Entities engaged in grid modernization or smart grids are encouraged to submit their projects by 13 March 2016 for consideration for both the ISGAN and GSGF awards. Official rules, nomination forms, and other information on the awards competition can be found on the ISGAN website. The winning projects will be selected by an international jury of smart grid experts and then recognized publicly in June 2016 during a ceremony at the seventh Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM7) in San Francisco, California, USA. At CEM7, energy ministers from 23 of the world's largest and most forward-leaning countries and the European Commission, as well as representatives from leading private sector organizations, will gather to drive progress on innovative clean energy policy, programs, and technologies.

About the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN)

Launched in 2010 at the first Clean Energy Ministerial, ISGAN brings together more than two dozen governments and affiliated institutions across five continents to accelerate the development and deployment of smarter, cleaner electricity grids worldwide. To advance global progress on key aspects of smart grid policy, technology, and standards, ISGAN coordinates a range of activities that support dynamic, international exchange of best practice, peer-to-peer learning, knowledge and tool development, and deep technical engagement. ISGAN is formally organized as the Implementing Agreement for a Co-operative Programme on Smart Grids (ISGAN) and is a member of the International Energy Agency's Energy Technology Network. http://www.iea-isgan.org

About the Global Smart Grid Federation (GSGF)

The Global Smart Grid Federation (GSGF) is a global stakeholder organization committed to creating smarter, cleaner electrical systems around the world. GSGF is composed of national smart grid organizations from 15 countries and the European Union. GSGF brings together the intellectual capital of smart grid stakeholder organizations from around the world 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; and
• 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.

These and other activities help member organizations initiate changes to their countries' electric systems to enhance security, increase flexibility, reduce emissions, and maintain affordability, reliability, and accessibility. http://www.globalsmartgridfederation.org

Media Contact: Clean Energy Ministerial Secretariat, Clean Energy Ministerial Secretariat, +1 202-586-4131, CEMSecretariat@hq.doe.gov

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SOURCE Clean Energy Ministerial Secretariat