U.S. and E.U. Power Grids: Comparable Challenges and Solutions

The presentations from the US and EU experts, earlier in the session, will describe the main drivers and barriers for the development of the transmission networks in the respective continents. Based on the outcomes of these talks, the presentation will focus on a comparative analysis of these situations highlighting similarities and differences and pointing out the area of possible enlarged cooperation. Although with intrinsic differences, due to different system history, market development conditions, policy, regulation, standards, financing rules, country topologies, etc. we will show that the essence of both systems are similar in their characteristics of being fit for developed economies which have grown during times characterized by low costs of energy. We will point out the inadequacy of some of the present system characteristics in the energy changing world, with carbon constraints and financial restrictions. The discussion will be broadened towards a more worldwide approach to smart transmission grids developments, including for reference, the latest projects and approach in China, India, Brazil: most of these countries are nowadays developing their transmission infrastructure and much can still be done to build up systems that will be fit not only for the current needs but will also be prone to evolution towards smarter and more sustainable situations. The talk will address the main aspects of the transmission networks developments, with special reference to the system planning, operation and management and looking at innovative power technologies, highlighting the approach and the results adopted in the ongoing IEA ENARD – Annex IV (Transmission network) working body and the European funded project REALISEGRID.

Attention will be given to technological and integration gaps and to the imperative necessity of the setting up of enlarged cooperation, participative fundamental research and large scale demonstration, to dramatically shorten the time-to-market of key technologies and solutions, to avoid costly repetitions and waste of resources. The problem of human resources and necessary multidisciplinary skills will also be addressed.