Smart Grid challenges and electricity distributors’ responsibilities

12Mar
2013
Dinner debate in Strasbourg

Speakers :

Jean-Baptiste Galland, Director Strategy and Smart Grids, ERDF
Per-Olof Granström, Secretary General, EDSO for Smart Grids

The European Energy sector is undergoing a paradigm shift; the share of energy from renewables is increasing dramatically, primarily as small scale and distributed solar and wind energy are being connected to the distribution networks. To accommodate this and thus to decarbonise the energy sector there is a great need to extend, reinforce and smarten the networks.

The Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are front-runners in this Smart Grid development; investing heavily in research, development and demonstration to be able to accommodate more renewables, electric vehicles, smart metering and demand management, energy efficiency, etc., while still securing the supply and stability of the network. In order to increase the flexibility of distribution networks and to facilitate an efficient competitive electricity market there is a need to further develop the role of the DSO and review existing regulatory frameworks.

Jean-Baptiste Galland from ERDF (managing the electricity distribution network in France) and Per-Olof Granström, EDSO for Smart Grids (the association representing Distribution System Operators) will give two presentations followed by a lively debate.