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By Jesse Berst

Tres Amigas is a $1.5 billion effort to link three of America's transmission grids. Although it gets little attention in the U.S., it is making waves in Europe and Japan. In fact, the European Power Exchange and Japan's Mitsui & Co. are both partners.

Why are international firms helping to finance a North America project? They believe Tres Amigas can help to prove out concepts such as:

·         A hub to allow the free flow of electricity between grids

·         A trading system that can work seamlessly in a global market

·         A mechanism to ship renewable power long distances to where it is needed (and where it can get the best price)

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Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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