Australia/Pacific

A major collaborative research venture wants to smarten the electric grid in Australia. The trouble is, $3 million over three years may make for good PR, but doesn't deliver the kind of serious money needed to tackle the big challenge.

This week, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research in Australia outlined a three year, $3 million collaborative research venture between government and university research centers focused on developing technology for a smart grid.

Australian government officials refer to the project as the Intelligent Grid Cluster. It's designed to spur innovation and help tackle the monumental challenges of building a next generation smart grid.