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This paper proposes an efficient and dynamic process to evaluate the smart grid research and innovation (R&I) activities in the EU Member States (MS) at the national level where the R&I status of smart grid technologies is identified by analysing the outcomes of completed projects and R&I priorities are extracted from the national energy and climate plan (NECP). Throughout the process, interaction with stakeholders is also very important to identify the R&I needs, verify the outcomes and hence be included in the process. The evaluation outcomes, including the identified technological gaps, can be exploited further to strengthen the action plan of decarbonising the smart grid network at the national level. The proposed process can also be implemented at a regional level to achieve the regional targets. This paper validates the proposed approach by presenting the findings at national and regional levels of three Member States (MS)

The drastic increase in distributed energy resources (DERs) leads to challenges in the operation of distribution systems worldwide. While several solutions for grid monitoring and control are available on the market and in literature, this research is the first of its kind aiming to supervise the grid by providing a modular configurable unified hardware and software architecture. The control algorithms are configured using data models according to IEC 61850-7-3 and IEC 61850-7-4. The novel system architecture is a portable, modular and flexible architecture that aggregates smart grid control functions onto a standardised hardware platform, emphasising the need for hardware independence. The central controller contains several smart grid control functions and the various field devices are distributed across the distribution grid. This paper deals with the simulation of different real-world distribution grids on the Real-Time Simulator (RTS) and experimental verification of the control algorithms. Smart grid control functions such as Coordinated Voltage Control (CVC) and Optimal Power Flow (OPF) are experimentally verified on a German grid. The grid dynamics are compared when the central controller executes the CVC against the OPF implementations. The experimental results, advantages and challenges of each control are presented here. The results also showed the variation in grid behaviour when the control parameters were varied. The paper also shows that the algorithm and the choice of the control parameters depend upon the distribution grid's complexity and the system operator's individual needs. The results illustrate the potential of such a universal distribution automation solution for system operators worldwide., IET generation, transmission & distribution;16(13)

This paper describes the background to and structure of the ERA-Net Smart Grids Plus project Transnational Cloud for Interconnection of Demonstration Facilities for Smart Grid Lab Research & Development, “CloudGrid”. The goal of the CloudGrid project is to provide recommendations and strategies to meet the challenges of the future power system, to facilitate larger amount of intermittent renewable generation together with less nuclear production while providing a secure and reliable electrical power supply. The development of smart grid solutions is a key element to meet the challenges of the future power system. A decreased impact on the environment is the requirement which has started the systemic change which we see in the electrical power system. By developing and implementing solutions which provide an enhanced flexibility of the power system, we will be able to maintain a high reliability of electricity while utilising the power system in a more efficient manner and decreasing the environmental impact. The research in the CloudGrid project will focus on three areas: system stability, ancillary services, and interoperability between converters. These three areas are highly complementary, providing the project with a holistic view of the challenges of the future grid. Stability is a prerequisite for operating the power system, and there is a need to develop new solutions and methods in order to maintain system security in a system which is utilised in an increased and altered manner. With new components and systems integrated in the power system, there will also be new opportunities to support the system through additional ancillary service solutions and novel market concepts. An increased amount of power electronics in the system is a enabler for increased flexibility. However, this places increased requirements on compatibility and interoperability between the various converters. The method used in the CloudGrid project to improve the research is to increase the cooperation between the partners based on an interconnection between smart grid labs. The establishment of this transnational smart grid cloud shall facilitate possibilities to validate research result in different laboratory environment, in this way the project will be able to provide solutions with a broader level of validation and suitable for a wider range of equipment. The CloudGrid project is a cooperation between the Swedish, Norwegian, Swiss, and Latvian partners: STRI, Chalmers Technical University, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, and Institute of Physical Energetics. The CloudGrid started in March 2016 and continues until March 2019, and has a total budget of 2.3M€.

Due to historical and geographical reasons, the Baltic States are strongly connected to the power (electricity) transmission grids of Russia and Belarus. Current energy security and energy independence targets in the EU trigger seeking for alternative power sources for the Baltic. Knowing that, a power system model of the Baltic States has been developed and validated with the purpose of providing comparative options for a reliable and secure development of the Baltic electricity system. The analysis of horizon 2020 and 2030 showed that the dependency of Baltic States on the outside resources is fairly low, provided that the expansion of the electricity system goes as planned., JRC.F.3-Energy Security, Systems and Market