Large-Scale Integrated Smart Grids with High Penetration of Renewables and Customer Participation

The evolutionary path of the U.S. electricity grid is at an historical crossroad. Decisions are going to be made about the direction of grid development so that it can meet extraordinary economic challenges, critical needs for energy security, and essential requirements for a sustainable way of life. This is a defining moment in terms of our nation’s commitment to providing an electric energy system, including the bulk transmission network, that meets societal needs of the 21st century and beyond. A major evolutionary step in the grid’s design, planning, and operation is needed using new design concepts and innovative technologies that can be integrated into a modern infrastructure. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides opportunities to achieve these far‐reaching objectives.

This white paper was created by the Power System Engineering Research Center (PSERC), a national consortium of universities, government, and industry. Drawing on the differing perspectives of members of that collaborative provides insights into how to integrate theoretical concepts with practical considerations. The paper describes a vision and needed steps for reaching a national objective of having a smart grid infrastructure. Demonstrations of a smart grid are needed to identify possible improvements and to show effectiveness from the generation system, to the bulk transmission and distribution networks, and finally to the customer premises. The vision described in this white paper can make a significant contribution to the U.S. DOE’s efforts to lead the nation in developing and deploying a smart grid solution that will efficiently support a low‐carbon energy infrastructure portfolio.