Trends of smart grids development as fostered by European research coordination: The contribution by the EERA JP on smart grids and the ELECTRA IRP

Smart Grids play a central role in order to accommodate the levels of renewable energy sources penetration foreseen in the SET-Plan of the European Commission for the future “low-carbon” energy system. In the field of electricity grids the European Electricity Grid Initiative, the EERA JP on Smart Grids, and the ETP on Smart Grids coordinate their activity in order to promote the evolution of the present power system. This work summarizes their goals, objectives and activities, highlighting the existing links and interactions.