Mastering the challenges of changing energy systems: The smart-grid concept

Abstract

The availability of electrical power is a major enabler of social and economic development. During the last decades, electrical consumption continues to steadily rise all over the world and this trend has already changed our life. This in turn impose that fundamental changes in the domain of energy systems will take place. Among others power generation is becoming more and more decentralized making grid management increasingly complex. Additionally, the importance of individual energy sources and options for power generation are changing, as are the ways in which electricity is transmitted and distributed. This chapter provides an overview about the challenges of future energy systems and how these challenges will be addressed with the usage of Information Technology (IT).