China's biggest electricity distributor- State Grid to study Duke's Smart Grid for USE IN CHINA

Duke Energy, China's State Grid In Talks For Power JV -Sources

BEIJING, Dec 20, 2009 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- DUK | Quote | Chart | News |PowerRating -- Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) is in talks with State Grid Corp., China's biggest electricity distributor, for a joint venture that may involve installing power transmission lines in the U.S., according to two people familiar with the situation.


The move shows how U.S. utilities are keen to tap China's low-cost equipment and access to cheap credit to advance capital-intensive projects such as the construction of high-voltage transmission lines, which experts say are more efficient over long distances than conventional power cables.
Confirming talks were under way on cooperation in building transmission lines in the U.S., a State Grid executive said Duke "regards highly our power transmission technology."


According to another person close to the negotiations, State Grid also wants to study Duke's smart grid technology for use in China.



Duke spokesman Tom Williams said the company was interested in partnering with Chinese companies for transmission line projects in the U.S., but added talks are still in early stages.
Duke has previously named State Grid as a potential partner for projects, without specifying what these would involve.