A consortium of Hitachi, Ltd., Daikin Industries, Ltd. and Mizuho Bank, Ltd was awarded the smart community demonstration project in Manchester, UK by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Existing heating systems in 600 social houses will be replaced by energy efficient heat pumps controlled by the aggregated system, which enables optimization of electricity demand and supply.

The project will be implemented jointly by NEDO, UK government and the city of Manchester, aiming at low carbon and energy efficient heating as well as establishing business model to sell surplus electricity. The demonstration will be undertaken for three years from this April to March 2017. (2014/03/14)