Smart Grid - ICT Challenges

The Smart Grid is the next-generation electricity system that characterized by the increased use of ICT in the generation, transmission and usage of electricity. The main Smart Grid vision is to optimally facilitate sustainable energy development and use with a perspective towards 2035, with focus on integrating Smart Grid technology in the whole energy system value chain that can maximize sustainable energy targets and objectives. The talk will consider ICT-related Smart Grid challenges both from the energy producer, transmission operator and customer point of view. Example of ICT challenges related to energy producer and transmission operator are: management and control, flexibility, dependencies, threats and data volume handling. The Smart Grid can imply new pricing patterns and control for the customer, which can lead to higher electricity cost and also lack of freedom and comfort. ICT-related challenges for the customer can be met by the use of Smart Home technology for energy planning and control.