The energy system is in a global transition towards a sustainable energy system. Resource efficiency and environmental concerns are pushing towards change into use of renewable energy resources and to optimizing the energy usage. As a result of this transition there have been a huge increase in new capacity, in Europe mainly from wind and solar, during the last years. This development has however resulted in several challenges for the transmission system. The European Network of Transmission System Operators, ENTSO- E, has identified that 80% of the identified 100 bottlenecks in the transmission system in Europe are related to integration of renewable energy sources. Moreover, the trend for the transmission system is towards larger, more volatile power flows, over longer distances across Europe.
This presentation will give an introduction to Smart Grid with a European perspective, and show the challenges and possibilities. Examples will be given on Smart Grid Demonstration projects and from own research work.