Paddy Turnbull [Chair], Chairman, Global Smart Grid Federation

The Smart Grid will fundamentally change how we generate, distribute and use electricity. It will bring a grid that has largely been static in design and operation for the past 100 years into the 21^st Century and it will have an impact far beyond that. Why? Because electricity will no longer be generated or distributed through a planned centralised system but through a system that is more responsive and dynamic.

The Smart Grid will play a critical role in underpinning the transformation of the power systems in every country in the world. It will employ innovative products and services together with intelligent monitoring, control, communications and self-healing technologies in order to enable;

• More efficient transmission and distribution of electricity
• Quicker restoration of electricity after power disturbances
• Reduced operations and management costs for utilities and ultimately lower power costs for consumers
• Reduced peak demand, which also helps electricity rates
• Increased integration of large scale renewable energy systems
• Better integration of customer-owner power generation systems including renewable energy systems
• Improved security
• Significant reduction in the environmental impact of the whole electricity system
• Foster market integration (particularly in European markets)

There is a building consensus on the vision for Smart Grids; the path to productive development presents real opportunities but it will require a cohesive and committed alignment of policy makers, grid owners and operators as well as the active participation of research and ICT communities and last but by no means least – the private sector.