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Energy Grid
Integrated and multi-vector: the energy systems of the future go local Integrated and multi-vector: the energy systems of the future go local

Fossil fuels still account for over 60% of global electricity generation. Experts warn of a “discouraging trend” but part of the solution might come from “local energy communities”: integrated hubs, optimizing the synergies between different energy vectors and thus cutting CO2 emissions and costs

December 2022
Flexibility is key to building a carbon neutral power system Flexibility is key to building a carbon neutral power system

To manage future electricity demand in line with the EU's Energy Roadmap 2050, power grids need to rely on both supply and demand flexibility and be structured as a system of systems.  

November 2022
Will blockchain lead to a smarter energy grid? Will blockchain lead to a smarter energy grid?

An interconnected energy system of the future requires decentralised, democratic and resilient electricity trading. Ever more companies are wishing for blockchain technology to become a core feature of the European electricity market

August 2018
Baltic energy systems: synchronisation by 2025 Baltic energy systems: synchronisation by 2025

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined the European Union in 2004, but their grids are still synchronised with Russia and Belarus. Now they have agreed a target date to become a part of the continental Europe’s energy system

July 2018
How battery systems can integrate renewable energy in smart grids How battery systems can integrate renewable energy in smart grids

By 2030, 32% of the energy consumed in the EU must be generated from renewable sources, such as water, wind and sun. To achieve this, it doesn’t suffice to increase the number of wind turbines and solar cells. Extended and adapted transport and distribution grids are also necessary.

July 2018
HVDC grids to facilitate cross-border energy exchange HVDC grids to facilitate cross-border energy exchange

In the future, point-to-point offshore connections are expected to evolve into multi-terminal HVDC-systems to increase power exchange between countries and strengthen the energy market of renewables

June 2018
Offshore wind farms: too much energy is lost in cables Offshore wind farms: too much energy is lost in cables

“Offshore wind energy has come to the point where it can start competing with traditional energy sources like new nuclear and gas,” says energy expert Iñigo Azpiri, who is part of a team of European researchers studying the interconnection of offshore windfarms to land using HVDC grids to avoid power losses. “If industry manages to lower cable technology costs, we will be able to deploy a grid that can send renewable energy much further across Europe.”

June 2018
Direct current grids: interoperability is a key factor for their development Direct current grids: interoperability is a key factor for their development

Often in electric power systems, some devices, like converters, don’t communicate effectively and securely one with another because they come from different suppliers. This can be a problem for the electric highways of the future. Improvements in “interoperability” between diverse equipment may be a solution. Expert Olivier Despouys shares his insights

May 2018
“Compacting” electricity lines “Compacting” electricity lines

Huge electric pylons are visually intrusive. Will the solution be slimmer pylons or underground lines? We asked electricity grid expert Matthias Müller-Mienack

March 2018
How supergrids can support the integration of renewable energy How supergrids can support the integration of renewable energy

One of the main problems with the transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity is the unreliability of the supply. However, this can be tackled by pioneering technologies for storing energy and upgrading grids

February 2018
Nobel laureate Rae Kwon Chung speaks about the advent of HVDC supergrids Nobel laureate Rae Kwon Chung speaks about the advent of HVDC supergrids

The author of the “Green growth” concept asserts that the key to developing supergrids is private initiative driven by breakthrough technologies. Investors will then push for political agreement between countries

February 2018
Households poised to become energy dealers Households poised to become energy dealers

A more flexible grid will give room to more market players trading renewables. It can also lead to a fair price for the electricity

January 2018
“Democratic” supergrids “Democratic” supergrids

The share of delayed projects for new electric lines has increased, partly due to public opposition, states the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators. Local communities involved ask for decision processes more transparent and inclusive 

September 2017
Creating Europe’s new backbone for efficient power distribution Creating Europe’s new backbone for efficient power distribution

Over the last few decades the energy landscape has been changing drastically in Europe. An increasing amount of electricity is now generated from renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy. These developments will require a new and efficient power infrastructure that spans the whole of Europe

July 2017
Powering the future: could Europe go dark? Powering the future: could Europe go dark?

A recent night-time blackout in the de-facto European capital of Brussels raised questions about the robustness of our energy supplies. The power production sector is facing changing demands, while also coming under huge pressure to integrate more renewable sources. So, can we expect the lights to go out more often in the future?

May 2017
Supergrids: the challenging comeback of direct current Supergrids: the challenging comeback of direct current

The number of infrastructural direct current programmes is increasing all over the world, widening the gap between energy producers and energy consumers. But alternating current will not disappear: “meshed grids” are the future

October 2016
New superconductive material for long-distance energy transmission New superconductive material for long-distance energy transmission

A new and cheaper superconductive wire could make long-distance energy transmission affordable

September 2016
Dressing the power lines to bring more renewables to the cities Dressing the power lines to bring more renewables to the cities

A higher volume of electricity delivered to the grid requires adaptation of the current transmission lines and improvement of the system’s security. To this end, innovative materials and geometries of components are being designed and tested

February 2016
Smart grid: A grid suitable for renewable energy Smart grid: A grid suitable for renewable energy

How smart can the electricity grid be? Opportunities will open for European citizens with more and more renewables on the European electricity system

December 2015
Clean energies in need of a long term vision Clean energies in need of a long term vision

Although cheaper than polluting fossil fuel-based energy, electricity coming from renewable sources lacks clear regulations that would enable it to be used at large scale.

November 2015