EU support for Smartgrids

Funding research

To facilitate the transition to more sustainable energy systems, "Smart Energy Networks" are one of the priority topics in the current EU Framework Programme (FP7, 2007-2013). The focus is on the efficiency, safety, reliability and quality of the European electricity and gas networks, notably within the context of a European energy market. The activity is structured along the following research areas:

  • Development of inter-active distribution energy networks with the aim to contribute to a higher penetration of renewables and distributed generation into the distribution grids, improving the security of supply of critical loads, enabling an active participation of users in electricity markets, increasing the load factor of distribution feeders, and enabling real-time electricity pricing for all network users.
  • Pan-European energy networks which focus on the development of technical and regulatory solutions necessary for the rapid establishment of a truly pan-European grid.
  • Cross cutting issues and new emerging technologies of a technical and non-technical nature are required to support the development of the Smart Energy Networks.

The EU has supported Smart Energy Networks for more than a decade. Under the 6th Framework Programme (FP6, 2002-2006) 27 projects were funded with an EU contribution of approximately EUR 65 million. Thematic priorities were infrastructure (including ICT), microgrids and distributed generation. During 1998-2002 (5th Framework Programme) 50 projects on large-scale integration of distributed energy resources and key enabling technologies were supported with more than EUR 60 million. A large proportion of these projects focussed on batteries, and also addressed research areas such as infrastructures (including ICT), microgrids and distributed generation.

Current funding opportunities

Smartgrids are one of the priorities of the current 7th Framework Programme (FP7, 2007-2013). For more information on current open topics in the area of smartgrids please click here.

 

Research projects

Results

Results and description of EU funded research projects on smartgrids can be found

 

Examples of EU funded projects

Active distribution networks with full integration of demand and distributed energy resources (ADDRESS)

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The ADDRESS project develops solutions for "active demand" in the energy market.

Consumers have traditionally had a passive relationship towards electricity and the network. The biggest change in the networks of the future will be the proactive role of the domestic and small commercial consumers. This project will, among others, allow the consumers to control their consumption.

ADDRESS is seeking technical solutions both directly in homes and offices and at the global power system level to enable a pro-active role of consumers. Once enabled, active demand can result in lower electricity prices and in higher energy efficiency.

The consortium is composed of 25 partners from 11 European countries including manufacturers, universities and research centres and distribution networks. The project is funded under the 7th Framework Programme for a period of 4 years. The EU provides € 9 million in co-financing to the overall costs which are estimated at € 16 million.

For more information please consult the project's website.

 

Pan European grid advanced simulation and state estimation (PEGASE)

The PEGASE project aims at achieving an integrated security analysis and control of the European transmission network.

The transmission network operators are faced with a number of challenges which are adversely impacting the security and reliability of the transmission system. Interconnections are reinforced and new interconnections are built. The transmission system needs to integrate new variable distributed energy resources. National grids are becoming more interdependent as power imports and exports are increasing.

The PEGASE project is seeking new solutions to monitor and control the pan-European system with the objective of ensuring a secure and reliable transmission network.

The project is implemented by a consortium composed of 21 partners. It is funded under the 7th Framework Programme for a period of 4 years where the EU contributes € 8.62 million to the overall costs estimated at € 13.59 million.

For more information please consult the project's website.

 

Open public extended network metering (OPEN METER)

OPEN METER is addressing the development of an advanced metering infrastructure, which has the so-called Smart Meter as key component.

In a future advanced metering scenario, the electricity grids will be interactive for both power generation sources and loads, so they will need to transport not only electricity but also data in both directions. A smart meter could include services such as automatic meter reading, remote connection and disconnection, flexible tariff management and demand management. For consumers this will provide the opportunity to take better informed decisions regarding use of energy, e.g. allowing to turn off equipment when electricity is expensive.

The project aims at identifying main barriers that stand in the way of a wide ranging adoption of smart meters. Furthermore, the project intends to provide proposals for a set of public standards which will facilitate the introduction of smart meters.

The project is implemented by a consortium composed of 19 partners over 4.5 years. Under the 7th Framework Programme the EU committed € 2.4 million in funding while the overall costs of the project are estimated at € 4.03 million.

For more information please consult the project's website.

 

Working together

Financial support is however only one aspect of EU activities. An equally important aspect of European research policy is the bringing together of different research actors and organisations from Europe and other parts of the world active in the same scientific area.

In November 2007 the European Commission proposed the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) with an aim to establish a new energy research agenda for Europe and accelerate the development of energy technologies for a low-carbon future. The SET-Plan calls for establishment of a European Electricity Grid Initiative (EEGI).

The initiative aims at bringing together main players including transmission system operators, distribution system operators, energy regulators, member states and industry, to enable the development of a smart EU electricity system. The initiative has so far defined a 10-year framework of common research and demonstration activities where a coordinated action is necessary. It has identified the medium and long term investments necessary for the development of technologies for an integrated European Smart Grid.

The SmartGrids European Technology Platform for "Electricity Networks of the Future", launched in 2005, aims at enhancing the level of coherence between the European, national and regional programmes in the area of future networks. The Platform produced a Vision paper in 2006 and a Strategic Research Agenda in 2007 which were internationally recognized and instrumental in putting smart electricity grids on the political agenda.

In 2009, following the reorganisation of the Platform, the Smart Grids Forum was established. It aims to enhance the SET-Plan in its focus on concrete projects and on the deployment of the smart grids. The Forum will act as a catalyst, coordinating developments for all the SmartGrids actors. The Forum is an executive group of 12 individuals representing the various groups of stakeholders (transmission and distribution system operators, regulators, industry, public and private research organisations and consumers).

The SmartGrids ERA-NET aims at the mutual opening up of national research programmes, research infrastructures and on developing joint activities (calls) in the field of smart electricity networks. The ERA-NET consortium consists of national research agencies from several European countries.

 

Read more about how smartgrids work and what are their prospects for the future.

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