SUEZ Australia & New Zealand and NEC Australia today signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue joint opportunities in the field of smart cities solutions.

The MoU will see SUEZ and NEC explore ways in which the two companies can bring together their respective synergies to further progress smart cities in Australia. As an initial focus, the collaboration will seek to work with local councils in support of a smart cities strategy that will contribute to Sydney’s third city, the new Western Parkland City.

A smart city is one which uses technology and data as enablers to improve the quality of life for its citizens. For example, using sensor technology across multiple urban services to create an intelligent operating hub. SUEZ’s partnership with the French city of Dijon is a fully operational case study whereby city operators are making evidence-based decisions in real time in support of a safer and cleaner city.

Mark Venhoek, chief executive officer of SUEZ Australia & New Zealand, said building smart cities is about rethinking how we can all better support a sustainable model of urban growth and consumption.

“Rapidly increasing demands on natural resources and services mean finding ways to harness the power of smart technology and data isn’t just a problem for governments,” he said. “The corporate world also has a role to play in supporting the public sector and local communities to manage better, healthier and sustainable cities, the very outcomes that epitomise the smart city concept.

“I’m excited by the potential opportunities this collaboration with NEC will bring,” he said.

Chief executive officer and president of NEC Australia, Mitsuhiro Murooka, highlights the wealth of experience that will play a key role in turning the Western Parkland visions into reality.

“Working together, NEC and SUEZ will bring unmatched, international expertise to the development of smart cities in Australia,” he said. “Our partnership has the potential to deliver life changing innovations for government’s consideration, particularly for Sydney’s new city.

“With a key focus on environmental sustainability and contribution to managing the circular economy through utilisation of NEC’s leading big data digital smart city management platform, we have no doubt we will be able to deliver some incredible opportunities to drive a smarter future,” Mr Murooka concluded.