Smart grids - the wider picture

A smart grid will be needed in the UK from around 2020 onwards in order to operate the electricity network and deliver energy security in a low carbon energy world. The proposed levels of intermittent renewable generation and new higher capacity nuclear generation will need to be balanced by flexibility in energy demand and energy storage.

Developing a smart grid to manage all this requires inter-disciplinary collaboration on an unprecedented scale between experts in energy, communications, IT and transport. This briefing provides a tool for reaching a common understanding of the challenges and goals ahead.