OREANDA-NEWS. At the International grid Forum UPGrid "Innovation and Progress in Grid", which was held in Moscow from 29 to 31 October in the IEC "Crocus Expo", 75 companies from 15 countries presented the latest technologies and modern equipment for the electric grid complex. Within the Forum, organized by JSC "Russian Grids" with the support of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, several cooperation agreements were signed, and expositions were attended by more than 5,500 people.

A year to the day, which had passed since the previous forum UPGrid, became very important in the history of the Russian power industry development: the electric grid development strategy was approved and it was decided to incorporate JSC "Russian Grids". In his welcome address to the participants and guests the head of JSC "Russian Grids" Oleg Budargin stressed: "We are on the threshold of major changes and large-scale projects. Here we have high hopes for our scientists and designers, search for new forms of cooperation and equipment to further improve energy efficiency and grid availability, and to reduce losses."

The rapid development of the grid complex requires innovation and, in the light of these developments, UPGrid 2013 took on a special significance. Today it is not only a platform for direct dialogue between professionals, but also an important resource for analyzing and selecting the most effective developments, sometimes ahead of time.

The major Russian and foreign companies showcased their innovations and new technologies. Among them - ALSTOM GRID, HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Co., TOSHIBA, LLC "IC "BRESLER", SIEMENS, ABB, LLC SPC "EKRA", OJSC "Electrozavod", RTSoft, CJSC "GC Tavrida Electric", LLC "Togliatti Transformer" and others.

One of the highlights of the Forum was the signing of a cooperation agreement between JSC "Russian Grids" and SC "Vnesheconombank" on the joint project of the Federal Test Centre in Russia. It is planned that the new test centre will appear in Russia until the end of 2017 and will be a key platform for testing new and developed equipment in line with international standards.

Also as part of the Forum JSC "Russian Grids" identified the best innovative projects. The first place in the nomination "Promising Innovation Project" was awarded to JSC "FGC UES RDC" for the Project to create the Federal Test Centre, in the nomination "Implemented innovation project" the winner was the company "Eurocontract - High-voltage equipment" with the project of the Typified modular package digital 10-35 kV substation.

Within the business program representatives of large international companies, the management of JSC "Russian Grids" and industry experts were participants of the panel discussion "International and Russian practice of creating a smart grid: a synergy effect", where they discussed the practice of creating smart grids abroad, and development areas of Smart Grid in Russia as well.

In addition, there were 15 round tables, the key topics of which were: the development of smart grids, attracting young professionals to innovation activity and implementation of new technologies in the power grid complex. Recognized international experts on the issues of architecture of intelligent energy systems and its standardization shared their experience of creating "smart" grids and the development of advanced electric power technologies and solutions.

This year's Forum was attended by representatives of the federal and regional legislative and executive authorities, research organizations, public associations, heads of major grid and generation companies, equipment and technology manufacturers, Russian and international experts in the field of the electric power industry. The participants of the forum said about the outcome.

Vladimir Boyko, Director of Department "Smart grid" of LLC "Siemens":

The past exhibition has become a wonderful platform to communicate with our existing and future customers, as well as share experiences with industry experts. The exhibition at the booth and participation in the business program for us, as a manufacturer is a unique opportunity to tell specialists on innovations and proven solutions of "Siemens" for efficient, safe and reliable power supply.

Vladislav Vorotnitsky, Deputy General Director for Marketing and Sales of CJSC "GC "Tavrida Electric":

This year "Tavrida Electric" for the first time has taken part in the forum UpGrid. Recent years there has been an acute shortage of such discussion forums to touch upon current issues and future areas of development of the Russian electricity grids. The selected format, in our view, is extremely successful. For three days, participants are given the opportunity during panel sessions to discuss relevant topics with leading industry experts. Those companies that are participating in the exhibition have a unique chance to present their innovative developments to the industry leaders. We are grateful to JSC "Russian Grids" for the creation of the site and for the high appreciation of the results of "Tavrida Electric" activity in the contest of innovation projects. I wish the Forum UpGRID prosperity and long life!

Victor Rumyantsev, Vice President - Director of the Innovative Technology Centre OJSC "Energostroy - M. N.":

The Forum UpGrid has left only positive impressions. Thanks to the forum, we have gotten a lot of Russian and foreign partners who are willing to cooperate with us. We had the opportunity to talk with leaders of major companies, including managers of "Russian Grids", representatives of the State Duma, as well as with all those who are involved in the energy sector. The Forum had everything for companies that operate in the power sector so that they could present their innovations, achievements, and most importantly - their plans for the future.