Future Directions for Smart Grid: A Conceptual Model

Abstract

Although growth of renewables and other low-carbon energy sources is envisaged, there are many concerns about the flexibility, variability, non-controllability of the sources and the ability to maintain the balance between demands and supply. Then, what will be the future directions for intelligent power Grid systems in China? It is surprised that no research has ever tackled such an important issue before. In order to fill the vacancy, this paper first finds critical success criteria of future intelligent power Grid systems, and then constructs multiple criteria and decision making (MCDM) models to help in identifying the most suitable directions under complex social-economic environments, rapidly-changing technological movement and market demands. After practical investigation, the paper finds that a centralized power Grid system with Grid-aware networks, cloud-computing and multi-purpose Grid applications should be more suitable for China's future development.