A Smart Grid is an electricity network that can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it - generators, consumers and those that do both - in order to efficiently deliver a sustainable, efficient and secure supply of energy.
Smarter Grids: the opportunity
The Government has released ‘Smarter Grids: the opportunity’ to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to the development of a Smart Grid, which is a key plank in the United Kingdom’s transition to a low carbon economy. Smart Grids will transform the way electricity is supplied and used, saving consumers money through greater efficiency and contributing towards a low carbon energy system. The document is available below:
The Electricity Networks Strategy Group (ENSG) has also released A Smart Grid Vision. ENSG is an industry led policy advisory committee co-chaired by DECC and Ofgem. The Smart Grid Working Group within ENSG has produced this vision as industry led ambition for the development of a Smart Grid.
By 2050 we will need to transform our entire electricity system, with major changes to the way we generate, move and consume power. By 2050 we will need to produce more electricity than we do today but must do so largely without emitting greenhouse gases. We will need to generate electricity from low carbon sources such as renewables, nuclear and fossil fuel plants fitted with carbon capture and storage.
To support these changes, we will need a modernised electricity grid with larger capacity and the ability to manage greater fluctuations in supply, while maintaining security of supply. But this larger, smarter grid, together with other elements of the new electricity system, such as smart meters, microgeneration of electricity by individuals and businesses, smart appliances and electric vehicles, will also offer consumers a whole set of new opportunities for greater control over and choice in how they use electricity.
The smart grid therefore lies at the centre of this vision for a transformed low carbon electricity system. It forms the backbone of the new system, but it will be intelligent, flexible and responsive.
Smart Grid Demonstration Fund: Capital Grants Programme
Smart Grids: The Opportunity coincides with the up to £6 million of funding to demonstrate Smart Grid technologies. Further information on the funding programme is available on the Smart Grid: Capital Grants Programme web page.