We performed a Market Analysis to understand macro-environmental factors (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal, and Environmental), and revised market segments. Analysis of power consumption, cultural similarities, and a common regulatory framework, suggest to initiate our expansion in the “core countries”: Germany, UK, France, and Spain, to take advantage of the window of opportunity of the EU 2020 smart grid targets, with a reactive approach in the rest of the EU.
We have sent a focused survey to over 70 industry players to get a better understanding of their processes, and feedback on needs and preferences from potential users. We are getting so far interesting responses that give us valuable insights on the customer engineers’ journey, and are also pursuing more direct communications with some of them, paving the way for active participation in future pilots.
We have also reviewed the state of the art for the technologies concerning INTEGRID, to develop a fully operative version: high level simulation capability, cost reduction, usability, GUI, scalability, security and confidentiality, data quality, interoperability, and mobility. As EU’s privacy rules are arguably the most stringent of the world, their compliance will fulfil almost any other country expectations.
A business plan was conducted to define the INTEGRID’s exploitation strategy, including financial, commercial and technical barriers to overcome, and mitigation actions. Potential partners for a commercial network that boosts INTEGRID’s expansion were identified. Financial viability was assessed, updating the projection of revenues, cost, margin and ROI for the first 5 years. We have considered three five-year planning scenarios (optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic). Under this last one, our breakeven point will be reached in the 4th year, and the payback will come in the 5th year.
Pôle Position will actively defend its IP at the EU level, taking steps to register INTEGRID brand, if appropriate, and to deploy legal, technical and operational safeguards for trade secrets and to copyright all other distinctive items. Per our research, we have Freedom-to-Operate in the target countries, with no legal barriers or IP regulations impeding our service.
A Phase II execution work plan was prepared, including work packages, resources allocated, schedule and cost baselines. Main activities will be market research and planning and implementation of a scaling up commercial strategy.
