Considerations on the role of smart meters in the incorporation of renewable energy sources through microgrids

The growing demand for electricity, and greater awareness of the finiteness of non-renewable natural resources used to feed this, have triggered the invention and use of new technologies to contribute to sustainable development. Smart metering systems (AMIs), have justly earned a prominent place among these new technological solutions. In the context of small consumption levels, this paper proposes maximizing their potential advantages by pursuing a massive integration of renewable energy under the concept of microgrids. Initially, a summarization of the basic characteristics that define the microgrid concept are defined, leading to the field of new scenarios, such as smart buildings. Next, a description is given about the remarkable contribution that AMI systems can have on the integration of non-polluting alternative energy sources, particularly in the context of microgrids. Finally, some considerations are outlined that may help to promote the incorporation of these concepts at local or regional grid levels.