Enabling sustainable electricity supply in Europe
Several challenges are associated with the upgrade of European electricity networks, which were considered state-of-the-art when first deployed. The 'Smartgrids ERA-NET' (SMARTGRIDS ERA-NET) project addressed this by developing transnational research activities to speed up the development of a smart European electrical infrastructure. It was succeeded by ERA NET SMARTGRIDS PLUS. The latter is essential to successfully realise the European Action Plan 'Energy Policy for Europe'. SMARTGRIDS ERA-NET is a network of managers responsible for funding smart-grid–related research within the national and regional public programmes. The network is closely connected to policymakers and the European industry. Project activities aimed to align the European, national and regional research programmes, leading to more efficient and faster delivery of public co-funded research and technological development. The project also contributed to preparing a European Research Area Network (ERA-NET) joint call under Horizon 2020. Three transnational calls — electrical transport systems, electrical distribution systems and regulatory issues — were executed and nine projects received funding. Although some projects are still ongoing, SMARTGRIDS ERA-NET established new ties between researchers and industries in several European countries. Articles were published in scientific magazines and project results were disseminated through several workshops and events. SMARTGRIDS ERA-NET also cooperated with other related EU-funded projects and networks. These included the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN), the European Technology Platform (ETP) SmartGrids and the European Electricity Grid Initiative (EEGI). Joint activities led to drafting the Strategic Research Agenda 2035, the EEGI Roadmap 2010–2018 and the detailed implementation plan 2010–2012, as well as the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan). The SMARTGRIDS ERA-NET formed the basis for the ERA NET SMARTGRIDS PLUS which started in 2015. In this ERA NET 21 countries are participating. More information can be found here. SMARTGRIDS ERA-NET is expected to enable the European electric power supply with large-scale renewable electricity generation and high levels of small-scale power-generation technologies. The new smart grid architecture is enabling reliable, affordable and sustainable future electricity supply in the EU.
Keywords
Sustainable electricity, smartgrids, electrical infrastructure, Smart Grid, renewable electricity
