2010 Planned Research Agenda

Our research advisory services encompass topics covering several topics in the energy market. Within each advisory service we plan a series of research projects spanning the range of interest areas each service covers. Our IDC Energy Insights analysts have planned dozens of research projects to help you get the most out of your business in the coming year. The information presented here represents some of our current plans (which are subject to change).

Additionally, Insights research can become the foundation or springboard for custom consulting projects that delve into topics important to your business, such as evaluating new business opportunities, understanding a market segment, exploring new technologies for your operations, improving knowledge of your customers, increasing customer satisfaction, developing a competitive strategy, and more.

Because our Research Agenda may change during the course of the year, regularly check this section for updates. To learn more about the planned research agenda or to learn about regional or country plans, please contact us.

Distributed Energy Strategies

Energy Insights’ Distributed Energy Strategies service provides exclusive market analysis and direct access to experts — helping subscribers better understand trends and developments related to distributed generation and energy storage. Through an integrated set of deliverables, subscribers receive the latest intelligence on the evolving distributed energy marketplace, enabling them to make better-informed business decisions and develop cost-effective strategies and tactics.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Best Practices Natural Gas Pipeline Energy Recovery: An Opportunity for Hybrid Fuel Cells? Oct-Dec 2009
Vendor Assessment Buyer's Guide: Distributed Energy (DE) Dispatch for Demand Response - 3rd Party Aggregators Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective Distributed Energy (DE) Perspective - Electric Vehicle Rollout Oct-Dec 2009
Top 10 Predictions North American Utility Industry 2010 Top 10 Predictions Jan-Mar 2010
Technology Selection Small Fuel Cells 2010 Jan-Mar 2010
Perspective Distributed Energy (DE) Perspective - Distributed Photovoltaic (PV) Jan-Mar 2010
Best Practices Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Integration: Infrastructural Developments Apr-Jun 2010
Vendor Assessment Battery Storage for Demand Response Applications Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective Distributed Energy (DE) Perspective - Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Reciprocating Engines Apr-Jun 2010
Business Strategy The Role of Distributed Energy (DE) Under Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Regulation Jul-Sep 2010
Best Practices Microturbines: Market Overview 2010 Jul-Sep 2010
Perspective Distributed Energy (DE) Perspective - DE Grid Integration Jul-Sep 2010
Best Practices The Big Green Package: Regulatory and Energy Efficiency-Driven Distributed Energy Oct-Dec 2010
Technology Selection Incorporating Distributed Energy (DE) into Resource Planning Oct-Dec 2010
Perspective Distributed Energy (DE) Perspective - Energy Storage as a Demand Response Asset Oct-Dec 2010

European Clean Energy Strategies

The European Clean Energy Strategies service provides exclusive market analysis and direct access to experts – helping subscribers better understand trends and developments related to green power marketing, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies. Through an integrated set of deliverables, subscribers receive the latest intelligence on the evolving renewable energy marketplace, enabling them to make better-informed business decisions and develop cost-effective strategies and tactics.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Business Strategy Integrating Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation into the Grid: The Role of Virtual Power Plant Oct-Dec 2009
Best Practices Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Integration: Edison Consortium Case Study Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective EMEA Renewable Energy Update Oct-Dec 2009
Top 10 Predictions EMEA Utility Industry 2010 Top 10 Predictions Jan-Mar 2010
Technology Selection Energy Storage Showcase Jan-Mar 2010
Perspective EMEA Clean Energy Update Jan-Mar 2010
Best Practices City Sponsored Energy Efficiency Apr-Jun 2010
Best Practices Nuclear Power Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective EMEA Clean Energy Update Apr-Jun 2010
Business Strategy Carbon Capture and Storage Update Jul-Sep 2010
Business Strategy New Business Models for Renewable Energy Jul-Sep 2010
Perspective EMEA Clean Energy Update Jul-Sep 2010
Best Practices Renewable and Distributed Generation Integration: A Case Study Oct-Dec 2010
Business Strategy Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Low Carbon Economy Oct-Dec 2010
Perspective EMEA Clean Energy Update Oct-Dec 2010

European Utility IT Strategies

European utilities face a variety of business and regulatory challenges. Climate change, security of supply, merger and acquisitions and new technologies are changing the European landscape. These organizations have to respond to demands for increased reliability, customer satisfaction, and safety, but they must do so amid growing pressure to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and overcome the twin issues of aging assets and an aging workforce. Information technology is playing an increasingly important role in allowing organizations to address these challenges. To that end, the European Utility IT Strategies research and advisory program assesses the impact of technology investments on business performance, through an integrated set of deliverables.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Best Practices Case Study: Palm Utilities Deploys Oracle Utilities Customer Care and Billing Solution Oct-Dec 2009
Vendor Assessment Top IT Vendors in Utilities in Europe Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective EMEA Utilities Industry Quarterly Update Oct-Dec 2009
Best Practices Case Study: Pioneering a Smarter Metering in Gas: The Gas Natural AMM project Oct-Dec 2009
Business Strategy Smart Metering in Europe Oct-Dec 2009
Top 10 Predictions EMEA Utility Industry 2010 Top 10 Predictions Jan-Mar 2010
Best Practices Smart Grids and Security - A Case Study from Portugal Jan-Mar 2010
Perspective EMEA Utilities Industry Quarterly Update Jan-Mar 2010
Pivot Table Western Europe Utilities Industry, IT Spending Forecast, 2008-2013 Apr-Jun 2010
Best Practices Western Europe, Utilities Industry, IT Budget Distribution and Channel Selection - Survey Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective EMEA Utilities Industry Quarterly Update Apr-Jun 2010
Technology Selection Western Europe, Utilities Industry, IT Solutions and Technologies Survey Jul-Sep 2010
Business Strategy Smart Metering and Beyond: The Role of Demand Response Jul-Sep 2010
Perspective EMEA Utilities Industry Quarterly Update Jul-Sep 2010
Best Practices Managing Capital Intensive Projects in the Power Industry Oct-Dec 2010
Best Practices Achieving Operational Excellence: The Role of Predictive Analytics Oct-Dec 2010
Perspective EMEA Utilities Industry Quarterly Update Oct-Dec 2010

Intelligent Grid Strategies

IDC Energy Insights’ Intelligent Grid Strategies research and advisory program is dedicated to helping utilities and technology providers understand the complex dynamics of the rapidly evolving intelligent grid market. This service will explore the business and regulatory impacts of emerging intelligent grid technologies and provide innovative strategies such as distributed energy resources. Technologies covered will include sensors, smart metering, network automation and control, analytics, and communications technologies such as broadband over power lines (BPL) and WiFi/WiMAX.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Technology Selection Communications Networks for Intelligent Grid (IG): The Journey and the Converged Destination Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective Utility Networks for Intelligent Grid (IG) Pilot Projects: New Kids in the Sandbox Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective Best Practices in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Device Management Oct-Dec 2009
Business Strategy Smart Cities: Comparative Study of Results Oct-Dec 2009
Business Strategy Intelligent Grid (IG) Forecast Highlights (Select Findings from the Multiclient Study) Oct-Dec 2009
Top 10 Predictions North American Utility Industry 2010 Top 10 Predictions Jan-Mar 2010
Methods and Practices Adding Intelligence to traditional Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Infrastructure Jan-Mar 2010
Best Practices Electric Vehicles: Utility Industry Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Investment Priorities Jan-Mar 2010
Business Strategy Intelligent Grid (IG) and OMS: Evolution or Revolution? Apr-Jun 2010
Business Strategy Smart Home, Smart Partnerships: Utilities and Service Providers Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective One Year Past: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Intelligent Grid (IG) Standards Progress Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective Best Practices in Grid Security - Update Jul-Sep 2010
Technology Selection Home is Where is the Smart Is: Key Enabling Technologies for Energy Efficiency (EE) and Demand Response (DR) Jul-Sep 2010
Vendor Assessment Top Communications Network Vendors and Service Providers Jul-Sep 2010
Best Practices The Role of Network and Control Device in Demand Response Success Oct-Dec 2010
Business Strategy Smart Cities: Comparative Study of Results Oct-Dec 2009

Oil and Gas IT Strategies

The Oil and Gas IT Strategies research advisory service provides insights and analysis on the impact of information technology investments and business process initiatives on business performance in the upstream and trading sectors of the oil and gas industry. Studies will include business strategy, best practices, technology selection and vendor assessment.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Vendor Assessment Hydrocarbon Accounting Short List Oct-Dec 2009
Business Strategy Worldwide Revenue for the Top 50 IT Vendors in the Oil & Gas Industry Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective Oil and Gas IT Strategy Update: First Quarter Oct-Dec 2009
Top 10 Predictions Worldwide Oil and Gas Industry 2010 Top 10 Predictions Jan-Mar 2010
Business Strategy Reservoir Management with Real-Time Technology Jan-Mar 2010
Perspective Oil and Gas IT Strategy Update: Second Quarter Jan-Mar 2010
Technology Selection Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM) Marketplace Apr-Jun 2010
Methods and Practices Exploration and Production (E&P) Supply Chain Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective Oil and Gas IT Strategy Update: Third Quarter Apr-Jun 2010
Vendor Assessment Oil and Gas Buyers Guide for Upstream IT Services Jul-Sep 2010
Business Strategy Asset Management with Real Time-Technology Jul-Sep 2010
Perspective Oil and Gas IT Strategy Update: Fourth Quarter Jul-Sep 2010
Best Practices Production Optimization Oct-Dec 2010
Methods and Practices Oil and Gas IT Outsourcing Oct-Dec 2010
Perspective Oil and Gas IT Strategy Update: First Quarter Oct-Dec 2010

Renewable Energy Strategies

IDC Energy Insights’ Renewable Energy Strategies service provides exclusive market analysis and direct access to experts – helping subscribers better understand trends and developments related to green power marketing, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies. Through an integrated set of deliverables, subscribers receive the latest intelligence on the evolving renewable energy marketplace, enabling them to make better-informed business decisions and develop cost-effective strategies and tactics.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Vendor Assessment Biomass Torrefaction and Carbonization Oct-Dec 2009
Best Practices Renewable Energy Grid Integration Developments, Activities, and Trends Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective Renewable Energy Perspective - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Central Solar Thermal Power Oct-Dec 2009
Top 10 Predictions North American Utility Industry 2010 Top 10 Predictions Jan-Mar 2010
Best Practices Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) Implementation: What's Working and What's Not Jan-Mar 2010
Perspective Renewable Energy Perspective - Landfill Gas and Anaerobic Digestion Jan-Mar 2010
Vendor Assessment Centralized Solar Photovoltaic Apr-Jun 2010
Best Practices Distributed and Renewable Energy Outlook Report Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective Renewable Energy Perspective - Ocean Energy and Small Hydro Apr-Jun 2010
Best Practices U.S. Wind Energy: Onshore and Offshore Developments Jul-Sep 2010
Business Strategy New Business Models for Renewable Energy Jul-Sep 2010
Perspective Renewable Energy Perspective - Renewable Energy Incentive Policies Jul-Sep 2010
Business Strategy Anti-Islanding Inverter Failure: A Challenge to Photovoltaic's (PV's) Growing Grid Integration? Oct-Dec 2010
Best Practices Small Hydro's Renaissance? Oct-Dec 2010
Perspective Renewable Energy Perspective - Emerging Energy Storage Oct-Dec 2010

Utility IT Strategies

The Utility IT Strategies service covers traditional IT infrastructure of utility companies, particularly as it applies to meeting the needs of the generation, transmission and distribution, and retail businesses at the utility, merchant generation companies and retail energy providers. The service focuses on business performance, business-related IT strategy, IT budget, and best practices in achieving efficiency. In addition, it covers serving customers and managing assets, carbon and the workforce.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Vendor Assessment Customer Care and Billing Short List Oct-Dec 2009
Business Strategy IT Strategies - Budgets, Outsourcing, and New Technologies Oct-Dec 2009
Perspective Virtual Power Plant - Information Technology Underpinnings Oct-Dec 2009
Top 10 Predictions North American Utility Industry 2010 Top 10 Predictions Jan-Mar 2010
Technology Selection Intelligent Grid - Impact on Application Spending for Utilities Jan-Mar 2010
Perspective Work and Asset Management - Impact of Smart Grid Jan-Mar 2010
Technology Selection Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM) Marketplace Apr-Jun 2010
Best Practices Demand Response - Winners in Technology and Adoption Apr-Jun 2010
Perspective Best Practices in Energy Efficiency - Update Apr-Jun 2010
Methods and Practices IT Strategies - New Governance with the New Energy Economy Jul-Sep 2010
Methods and Practices Methods and Practices in Meter Data Infrastructure Jul-Sep 2010
Perspective Billing Systems for Electric Vehicles - New Thinking Jul-Sep 2010
Methods and Practices Review of Analytics - Can Business Intelligence (BI) be Applied for All Utility Needs? Oct-Dec 2010
Best Practices Case Study - A Peek Inside Application Approach of Most Intelligent Utility Oct-Dec 2010
Perspective Future of Personal Energy Management Oct-Dec 2010

Worldwide Oil & Gas Industry IT Spending Guide 

Energy Insight’s Worldwide Oil and Gas Industry IT Spending Guide is a semiannual analysis of the current status and projected growth of information technology spending in the oil and gas sector. This global five-year outlook on spending by oil and gas companies provides IT vendors with key information needed to develop effective market strategies. This service combines IDC's extensive technology forecasts with deep industry knowledge provided by IDC Energy Insights analysts and ongoing primary research in the oil and gas industry.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Pivot Table Worldwide Oil and Gas Industry IT Spending Guide Jan-Mar 2010
Pivot Table Worldwide Oil and Gas Industry IT Spending Guide Jul-Sep 2010

Worldwide Utility Industry IT Spending Guide 

IDC Energy Insights’ Worldwide Utility Industry IT Spending Guide is a semiannual analysis of the current status and projected growth of information technology spending in the utility sector (electricity, natural gas, and water). This global five-year outlook on spending by utility companies provides IT vendors with key information needed to develop effective market strategies. This service combines IDC's extensive technology forecasts with deep industry knowledge provided by IDC Energy Insights analysts and ongoing primary research in the utilities industry.

Document Type Document Title Publish Date
Pivot Table Worldwide Utility Industry IT Spending Guide Apr-Jun 2010
Pivot Table Worldwide Utility Industry IT Spending Guide Oct-Dec 2010