OREANDA-NEWS.  February 2, 2012. Fujitsu today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON)(1) to commence a collaborative smart communities project in MODON's industrial areas.

With the local initiative led by Fujitsu Arabia, Fujitsu begins this global smart community business in Saudi Arabia based upon cutting-edged ICT, and environmental and power-saving technologies. Fujitsu will first carry out a feasibility study during FY2011 and FY2012, after which the company plans to roll out full-scale development of the project.

In October 2011, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) selected this study as a "Feasibility Study for the Overseas Development of Smart Communities and Other Projects." This is one part of an initiative for METI's "Promotion of Export of Infrastructure-related Industries and Systems." With METI's support, the project is expected to become a model case for the export of infrastructure systems through public-private collaboration.

During the new project, Fujitsu will promote the development of smart communities in Saudi Arabia's industrial areas with a focus on both the environment and energy. The project will include installing environmental management systems along with energy management systems to optimize energy usage.