IBM, Brunei univ tie-up for 'smart' energy savings

BRUNEI: IBM today announced a new research agreement with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to explore smarter ways to conserve and consume energy in the country.

IBM said in a statement that it will collaborate with UBD to better understand energy usage and supply in buildings to enable efficient allocation of resources and distribution of power.

With the new engagement, UBD and IBM intend to explore how a variety of long-term and dynamic factors affect energy consumption patterns.

The research will play a vital role in capacity and skills development of Bruneians, to support Brunei Darussalam's "Vision 2035" of a dynamic and knowledge-driven natural resources-based economy, said IBM.

Commenting on the new initiative YB Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar, Minister of Energy, Brunei said, "Effective energy policies and planning are vital. This includes ensuring that the financial, technical capability, infrastructure and skills are made available, and all this takes time to establish. Research and development needs to be part and parcel of this growth potential."

The collaboration builds upon the ongoing relationship between IBM Research and UBD which has seen the two partners engaged in integrated, high resolution, national-scale modeling research involving weather modeling, climate modeling, flood forecasting, crop modeling, and renewable energy modeling in the region.

"Our collaboration with UBD has already witnessed significant progress in identifying some of Brunei's natural resource modeling challenges, and we expect the relationship to continue to develop new insights into how Brunei can use energy more efficiently. We are glad to partner with UBD in this new research engagement," said Ramesh Gopinath, director, IBM Research - India.

"By combining education and innovation, UBD can help strengthen the local infrastructure, maintain a sustainable economy and improve quality of life."