Smart Grid Roadmaps - an international comparison

19/06/09

The UK has much to learn from markets where Smart Grid adoption is further advanced, notably how to involve and motivate consumers.  This is the argument that Sentec put forward in a presentation today to Cleanpower 2009 in Cambridge today.

While the UK market is currently focussed on the roll out of smart meters before 2020, that mandate provides a platform for an even larger project: that of developing the grid into a Smart Grid.  It is crucial that the UK looks at lessons learnt internationally and from other industry sectors to ensure the deployment will provide a good return on the investment.

Put simply, the Smart Grid uses digital technology to deliver energy from suppliers to consumers at less cost, with less risk and with more efficiency.  To do this requires a large upgrade in sensors and communications in two key areas: the household (where the smart meter is a crucial gateway to smart grid services) and the distribution network.

To do this will require a major effort from all stakeholders in the energy industry: regulators, utilities, technology vendors and consumers.  The US market is already well advanced in its roadmap, funded by substantial government investment, while the EU market, although planning is well advanced, currently has fewer practical deployments.

In both cases, utilities, regulators and vendors are making positive efforts to build a business case for the smart grid, but it seems consumers are much less convinced.  Recent public reaction to the UK smart meter roll out has been ambivalent, and the industry needs to focus on communicating the benefits for consumers of moving to the new products and services that a smart grid might enable.

To see the full presentation, please click here (PDF File)