Hybrid grids: ICT-based integration of electric power and gas grids - A standards perspective

Nowadays, research, politics, and utilities are on the move to create the new power distribution and transmission grid, the so called Smart Grid. Over the last years, various projects and initiatives have started to provide first results and the topic has changed form a research and development oriented one to being used in daily utility practice. But one particular aspect is that the focus most of the times lies with the electric side of the commodities and energy supply only. From a system point of view, it would be beneficial also to cover the aspects of gas and water in the Smart Grid, too. This paper discusses the idea of a holistic System-of-a-System (SoS) aspect with special regards to the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and automation concepts applied. It outlines the applicability of the existing electrotechnical and automation standards within the future critical infrastructure.