The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) announced it is forming a new business entity, EPRI Europe Limited, to expand its collaborative research and development programs in Europe.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, EPRI Europe will enable EPRI to participate in consortiums for research projects in Europe that align with EPRI and industry research priorities and roadmaps, EPRO stated in the press release.

"EPRI considers Ireland a center for electricity sector innovation and testing for utility systems, making it an ideal setting for European R&D collaboration," said Mike Howard EPRI President and CEO. "Likewise, Europe has emerged as a pivotal testing ground for the broader integration of energy systems overall into what EPRI calls The Integrated Energy Network."

Welcoming the announcement Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Richard Bruton TD, said, "Ireland is now one of the leading countries in the world in integrating renewable technologies onto its electricity grid and EPRI's decision to locate its European research operations out of Dublin aligns with our work to date in this area. Their expertise in smart grids and electricity systems will ensure that our generation companies, transmission system operator and research institutions stay at the cutting edge of this critical energy research sector."

Source: EPRI