Rising populations impact on energy resources:
Smart cities not a pipe-dream anymore
by Indika de Zoysa
Among many technological notions and ideas that have been discussed
since the dawn of the millennium; the 'smart city' concept has been one
of the best-spoken theories around the world at many fora and
discussions. With the population growing and the demand for natural
resources and services increasing, public and private institutes are
working round the clock to find a sustainable solution and for many of
these institutes, developing smart cities look more viable and
future-oriented.
What is a smart city?
Statistics show that by 2025, 37 cities globally will have a
population of over 10 million, with 22 in Asia alone. At the same time
car ownership is projected to increase by 60%, while by 2030 the demand
for water could outstrip supply by 40%. Today, cities consume two-thirds
of the world's energy, and with demands increasing the numbers are set
to grow.
According to United Nations data, the urban population is drastically
surpassing the rural population in the world. This proportion is
expected to increase dramatically in the coming years to the point that
by 2050, almost 70% of the world population will be urban and many
cities will have over 10 million inhabitants. It is estimated that by
2025 in China alone, there will be 221 cities with over 10 million
inhabitants. Europe currently has 35 such cities. Rising populations and
the impact on energy resources is creating an unsustainable future. In
such a context, the concept of smart cities is not a pipe-dream anymore,
it's already happening.
A smart city uses a breadth of information and communication
technologies (ICT) to improve quality and the performance of urban
services, to decrease costs and resource consumption, and to engage more
effectively and actively with its citizens.
Across the globe, a number of developed and developing countries are
setting plans to implement smart cities and a few countries are already
experiencing the luxuries of improved government services, transport and
traffic management, energy, health care services, water and waste
facilities through the concept of a smart city.
Technology
A smart city is a comprehensive place, using technology and
innovative solutions to increase social inclusion and battle poverty and
deprivation. Most importantly, a smart city must be a good place to
live, offering the best possible quality of life, with the lowest
possible use of resources.
A smart city can convert itself to an open digital platform that can
boost the economic, societal, environmental and welfare structures of
cities and enable the shift towards more sustainable behaviour among all
public and private stakeholders. On the other hand, it enables new
business models, thus constituting an excellent platform for innovation
in their environment.
One of the key technologies that has been discussed under smart
cities is the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things presents
an opportunity to address these issues, while driving local economies,
reducing costs, increasing efficiency and creating exciting new
services.
People, businesses and ultimately society itself are beginning to
embrace the Internet of Things to start solving some of these problems.
However, with new devices being created by the millions, cities around
the world face an uphill battle to ensure integration and
interoperability between IoT technologies.
Intel is working with numerous eco-system vendors to develop
integrated solutions that will turn the world's cities into smart cities
thanks to the Internet of Things. A powerful example is the construction
of smart buildings using IoT. Intel has collaborated with Elite Group
Computer Systems (ECS) and Tatung from Taiwan to create a smart office
that promotes energy conservation.
By integrating legacy and modern technology and harnessing automation
and sensors; ECS is expecting energy savings of between 20 and 30
percent per year. Could you imagine the benefit to the entire world if
we could extrapolate these savings across entire suburbs, cities or even
countries?
Prospects for Sri Lanka
The word 'smart city' has created a big hype in Sri Lanka, after the
government revealed plans to introduce smart cities to the country a few
weeks back. I personally believe it is a 'smart' move by the government
and encouraging for the country's future growth.
Smart cities will bring more benefits and value to the country,
encouraging sustainable economic development and a higher quality of
life, with sensible management of natural resources through active
government participation.
Interestingly, the government has also brought a freshly-minted plan
to implement a megapolis; a concept that was first brought to light in
the early 1990s and mooted again in 2004. The government is now ready
with its flagship project as the Western Region Megapolis Project (WRMP)
which will help transform the entire Western Province, enveloping the
Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts and position Colombo as one of
the top cities in the South Asian region and the epicentre for economic
activities.
The Megapolis of the future will provide its citizens, including
business enterprises with highly effectual and productive solutions to
fulfill day-to-day needs. Smart parking, integrated transport system,
real time traffic information and management, smart power grids that
provide electricity as per the demand resulting in increased efficiency,
smart street lighting, smart city maintenance and many other modern
technology related characteristics will be incorporated primarily by the
enterprises which will operate or provide services within the WRMP area.
At a recent event, the minister for Megapolis and Western Region
Development emphasized the importance of mega cities and urbanization
and ensured that under WRMP project, equal opportunities for every
citizen will be ensured. He also discussed the need to protect the
environment, water resources and other needs for the benefit of the
society as well. Urbanisation and housing for an estimated two million
people will be the aim of the megapolis initiative, which will fit in to
all cultural, social and geographical norms, the minister had said.
It is encouraging to see that the government is aimed at pursuing
futuristic goals. This project will be one of Sri Lanka's major projects
for the next 15 years. It will also be one of the projects that can
position Sri Lanka among 'developed' countries, while strengthening
almost every aspect of the economy.
The government should be commended for taking their plans gradually
forward to make Sri Lanka a top tier country. All Sri Lankans look
forward to the successful completion of this project that would bring
unlimited opportunities and benefits to the entire nation.
The writer is the Country Business Manager of Intel Sri Lanka |