The future of computing at IBM Zurich research labs

IBM is part of a consortium that is using data analytics in a pilot for a smart electricity grid based on renewable energy in Switzerland. The aim is to use a refrigerated warehouse at the largest Swiss retailer, Migros, as a buffer between unpredictable energy supplies such as solar and wind power. The data analytics tools will help to predict the electricity needed to freeze goods delivered to the warehouse and maintain temperatures, and use that data to vary the amount of energy needed during times when solar and wind power supply is reduced, such as through weather changes. Switzerland has ambitious targets for increasing renewable energy use, and the ability to balance supply and demand intelligently across a smart grid will be essential to delivering that goal.