Energy and water management specialist Itron and Japanese electronics giant Panasonic are forming a partnership to design and deliver gas smart meters to European utilities.

The demand for gas smart metering is growing as awareness of the need for energy efficiency increases and numerous governments instigate smart metering targets. The EU itself has also set a target of at least 80% of homes to be fitted with a smart meter by 2020.

In response, the two companies plan to collaborate on a next generation smart gas meter, which will use Panasonic’s ultrasonic sensor technology to enhance Itron’s residential meters.

The partners also plan to integrate low-power radio hardware electronics into Itron’s gas data collection technology.

Itron’s marketing director for energy Jean-Paul Piques says the partnership with Panasonic will expand the company’s portfolio of products and allow engagement with wider markets.

For further information:
www.itron.com
panasonic.net/

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