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Smart grids part of the move to renewable energy

Large companies such as Switzerland’s ABB, a rival of Germany’s engineering giant Siemens, say smart grids are a huge trend in the energy sector…….

Smart grids play key role in modern energy infrastructure. | Deutsche Welle | 06.09.2010, How do you ensure a steady supply of electricity from fickle renewable sources such as solar, wind and biomass? ‘Smart grids’ that manage and distribute flows of electricity could be the answer. The EU’s ambitious goals of a 20 percent increase in energy efficiency, a 20 percent increase in renewables and a 20 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions – all by the year 2020 – are a huge undertaking.
Smart grids’ on the other hand can manage and distribute intermittent energy supply from small power plants, wind mills or solar systems without a hitch, leading to a steady supply of electricity.

If there’s too much electricity in the grid, it can be stored in batteries, for example when an electric car rolls up to a recharging point.

Smart energy draws big players

Smart grids provide utilities with the information and flexibility required to manage intermittent electricity supply from renewable and micro-generation sources, allowing them to balance this with more traditional, consistent supply.

Large companies such as Switzerland’s ABB, a rival of Germany’s engineering giant Siemens, say smart grids are a huge trend in the energy sector…….

Various smart approaches

From the use of smart meters in households in Italy or France, to government-backed pilot-projects in the US, there’s a growing momentum for groundbreaking smart energy schemes……..

For smart grids to work, a number of players will need to come together, including industrial and private consumers, to help share the introductory costs…….Smart grids play key role in modern energy infrastructure | Environment & Development | Deutsche Welle | 06.09.2010

September 7, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 2 WORLD, renewable | antinuclear, climate change, energy efficiency, global warming, renewable energy