Boeing, Energy Consultant KEMA to Collaborate on Smart Grid Technology

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 8, 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and KEMA, a global authority in strategic and technical energy consulting, today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of Smart Grid technologies and other opportunities related to secure, reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Areas for collaboration include:

• advanced systems development and integration
• technical design and interoperability testing
• cybersecurity.

"Utilities are facing the daunting challenges of modernizing the electric grid while continuing to operate the current grid reliably, securely and sustainably," said Hugo van Nispen, president and managing director of KEMA. "Boeing's expertise in complex operational data management and cybersecurity, combined with KEMA's independent consulting expertise in utility operations control systems and cybersecurity standards, will offer utilities a flexible, cost-effective way to the smart grid-enabled future."

The MOU also outlines opportunities for Boeing Energy and KEMA to develop middleware applications that enable secure and reliable enterprisewide system integration for utility operations.

"Boeing's collaboration with KEMA advances technical and business innovation in the utility industry, bringing the United States closer to a modernized, secure and reliable electric grid," said Tim Noonan, vice president of Boeing Energy. "We are certain that our combined capabilities will bring added value to our customers, the industry and millions of Americans."

Smart grid-related technologies, including automated distribution and advanced metering infrastructure, are challenging utilities to manage and use increasing levels of digital, real-time data from many sources and programs. Tested and proven middleware applications allow utilities to integrate data from multiple vendors effectively and efficiently while also ensuring compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Smart Grid Interoperability standards.

Founded in 1927, KEMA is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. With world headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, KEMA employs more than 1,600 professionals globally with offices and representatives in more than 20 countries. KEMA's U.S. subsidiary, KEMA Inc., is headquartered in Burlington, Mass., and serves energy clients throughout the Americas and Caribbean.

For KEMA media contacts, visit www.kema.com/press_releases.

Source: BOEING