Technology Platform SMARTGRIDS - European Technology Platform

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European Technology Platform SmartGrids - Vision and Strategy for Europe's Electricity Networks of the Future

Directorate-General for Research - Sustainable Energy Systems - 2006 (EUR 22040)

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This publication is described using the follwoing extracts from the forward, executive summary and contents pages.

The vision for electricity networks of the future presented here by the Advisory Council of the technology platform 'SmartGrids' proposes that Europe should move forward in different ways in these important fields. This vision would lead to new products, processes and services, improving industrial efficiency and use of cleaner energy resources while providing a competitive edge for Europe in the global market place. At the same time, it would ensure the security of the infrastructure, helping to improve the daily lives of ordinary citizens. All this makes smart grids an important element for achieving the largest knowledge-based economy in the world.

The European Technology Platform (ETP) SmartGrids was set up in 2005 to create a joint vision for the European networks of 2020 and beyond. The platform includes representatives from industry, transmission and distribution system operators, research bodies and regulators. It has identified clear objectives and proposes an ambitious strategy to make a reality of this vision for the benefits of Europe and its electricity customers.

The overriding objectives of European energy policy have to be sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply, necessitating a coherent and consistent set of policies and measures to achieve them. Europe€s electricity markets and networks lie at the heart of our energy system and must evolve to meet the new challenges. The future trans-European grids must provide all consumers with a highly reliable, cost-effective power supply, fully exploiting the use of both large centralised generators and smaller distributed power sources throughout Europe.

The SmartGrids vision is about a bold programme of research, development and demonstration that charts a course towards an electricity supply network that meets the needs of Europe€s future. Europe€s electricity networks must be:

• Flexible: fulfilling customers€ needs whilst responding to the changes and challenges ahead;
• Accessible: granting connection access to all network users, particularly for renewable power sources and high efficiency local generation with zero or low carbon emissions;
• Reliable: assuring and improving security and quality of supply, consistent with the demands of the digital age with resilience to hazards and uncertainties;
• Economic: providing best value through innovation, efficient energy management and €level playing field€ competition and regulation.

The vision embraces the latest technologies to ensure success, whilst retaining the flexibility to adapt to further developments. Network technologies to increase power transfers and reduce energy losses will heighten the efficiency of supply, whilst power electronic technologies will improve supply quality. Advances in simulation tools will greatly assist the transfer of innovative technologies to practical application for the benefit of both customers and utilities. Developments in communications, metering and business systems will open up new opportunities at every level on the system to enable market signals to drive technical and commercial efficiency.

Enabling Europe€s electricity grids to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and fulfil the expectations of society requires intensified and sustained research efforts. It is essential that this takes place in a coherent way addressing technical, commercial and regulatory factors, to minimise risk and allow business decisions to be made by companies in an environment of stability. Key elements of the vision include:

• Creating a toolbox of proven technical solutions that can be deployed rapidly and cost-effectively, enabling existing grids to accept power injections from all energy resources;
• Harmonising regulatory and commercial frameworks in Europe to facilitate cross-border trading of both power and grid services, ensuring that they will accommodate a wide range of operating situations;
• Establishing shared technical standards and protocols that will ensure open access, enabling the deployment of equipment from any chosen manufacturer;
• Developing information, computing and telecommunication systems that enable businesses to utilise innovative service arrangements to improve their efficiency and enhance their services to customers;
• Ensuring the successful interfacing of new and old designs of grid equipment to ensure interoperability of automation and control arrangements.

These and other elements will be addressed through a Strategic Research Agenda that the Technology Platform will produce in 2006.

Contents

• Foreword
• Executive Summary
• The origins of SmartGrids
• Driving factors in the move towards SmartGrids
• From today to tomorrow
• Setting up Smart Power Grids
• The Technology Platform
• List of Acronyms
• Members of the Advisory Council