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MaRS Energy Instruments and Hitachi High-Tech launch new solution

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Harmeet
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TORONTO, CANADA: Smart Energy Instruments and Hitachi High-Technologies Corp. Japan, unveiled the first component of SEI's planned chipset product line for smart grid applications in an event at MaRS discovery district.

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SEI is a client of MaRS Cleantech practice and a key investment in the MaRS Cleantech fund. Its semiconductor chipset is a measurement and communications core for smart devices used in the generation and transmission of electric power, with advanced time synchronization capability to provide real-time measurements vital to improving grid reliability and efficiency and accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources.

D. Jeff Dionne, CEO of SEI said: "Escalating global climate and energy challenges in the next decade speak to a dire need for technologies like ours. In most of the developed world we've been spoiled with relatively good power reliability up to now. However, events like Hurricane Sandy and the double blackout for 600 million people in India last year, and Fukushima before that have shattered that perception. We are elated that our first silicon was a success and are excited about being the first to offer a high performance, industry-specific solution."

Canadian government leaders have made it abundantly clear that innovation leadership in smart grid is a key priority for Canada. SEI is one of the few semiconductor companies in Canada in the cleantech space, and the only one addressing grid infrastructure.

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Smart grid and smart energy technologies have been cited by more than one analyst as a trillion dollar opportunity, given the global importance of electricity and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Tom Rand, co-managing director, MaRS Cleantech Fund and SEI Board member said: "To turn a grid into a smart grid, you need visibility. Highly detailed, real-time visibility on the grid is what SEI's chipset provides. It's so detailed you can even see which direction power is flowing. Without low-cost, high-granularity visibility into the grid there's just no 'smart' to smart grid. SEI provides unparalleled visibility at a highly competitive price."

Dionne added: "Our focus from the start has been global, as that is where the real game must be played, with companies like GE and ABB. SEI has an impressive list of global partners, including Siemens and Hitachi High-Technologies of Japan, which is responsible for IP licensing, commercialization and sales."

Seiji Seki, GM, electronic materials division, Hitachi High-Technologies said: "With the growing importance of energy efficiency, reliability and transition to renewable energy, not only in Japan but around the world, we see a strong potential and societal benefit for SEI's products. We are proud to be a leading strategic partner in the commercialization and SEI's technology."

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