EcoGrid EU: An efficient ICT approach for a sustainable power system

The transformation of the electrical power system to higher sustainability involves many challenges. Incorporating high volumes of fluctuating renewables and improving the overall efficiency may benefit from the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to monitor and balance the system, and potentially involve individual consumers to deliver demand-response. This also introduces new risks, given that there are strong requirements regarding the security of the supply. In this paper we report on the approach taken in the EcoGrid EU project, launching a Smart Grid pilot with demonstration on the Danish island of Bornholm. In reviewing the key concepts, we focus on the particular choices that help render the ICT involved efficient, scalable, and secure.