EU-wide forum to promote a vision for future electricity networks
In 2012, ETP SG updated its Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) by analysing the needs of future smart grids and providing more insight into its research and development strategy beyond 2020. The EU-funded SMARTGRIDS-ETPS-III (Secretariat of the technology platform for the electricity networks of the future) project built on ETP SG efforts and its vision for the development of European electricity networks while encouraging and facilitating their efficient transformation. SMARTGRIDS-ETPS-III relaunched ETP SG and supported the nomination of a new Steering Committee. It reactivated two working groups and launched a third, and together with a secretariat, linked and mobilised a broad range of ETP SG members. Stakeholders mainly include policymakers, system operators, manufacturers of power equipment, solutions and services, and members of the research and academic communities. In all, the project gathered over 100 experts across Europe. Project partners synthesised and ranked research priorities needed for smart grids in Europe based on the SRA. To better understand and streamline research priorities at European and national levels, they nurtured and reinforced relations with 19 national and regional smart grids initiatives. Four reports and vision papers were delivered that reflect smart grids' future challenges. SMARTGRIDS-ETPS-III answered several official consultations launched by the EC, positioning itself as a key reference adviser for research and technology priorities for smart grids in Europe. It also organised two high-level events, seven workshops and four webinars to disseminate ETP SG activities and outcomes. Lastly, a new European Technology and Innovation Platform Smart Network for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET) was established. This reflects ETP SG's evolution into ETIP SNET, and the growing need to consider smart electricity networks within the wider energy system and broadening the reach of relevant stakeholders. SMARTGRIDS-ETPS-III helped ETP SG to realise its vision. In doing so, it is laying the foundation for an electricity supply network that will be able to meet Europe's future needs.
Keywords
Electricity networks, European Technology Platform for Electricity Networks of the Future, smart power grids, SMARTGRIDS-ETPS-III