Smart Grid for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Advances in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and information communication technology (ICT) have facili-tated the development of integrated electrical power systems for the future. A recent major issue is the need for a healthy and sustainable power transmission and distribution system that is smart, reliable and climate-friendly. There-fore, at the start of the 21 st Century, Government, utilities and research communities are working jointly to develop an intelligent grid system, which is now known as a smart grid. Smart grid will provide highly consistent and reliable ser-vices, efficient energy management practices, smart metering integration, automation and precision decision support systems and self healing facilities. Smart grid will also bring benefits of seamless integration of renewable energy sources to the power networks. This paper focuses on the benefits and probable deployment issues of smart grid tech-nology for a sustainable future both nationally and internationally. This paper also investigates the ongoing major re-search programs in Europe, America and Australia for smart grid and the associated enabling technologies. Finally, this study explores the prospects and characteristics of renewable energy sources with possible deployment integration is-sues to develop a clean energy smart grid technology for an intelligent power system.