fourth version of its 10-year network development plan
22 in 2016, committing to continue
developing the European smart grid.
The Roadmap to Implement the EU’s Power
Grid Vision,
23 initiated by the European Commission and developed by two major grid operators in Europe, outlines the future European
power system. On the one hand, the European
smart grid would comprise interconnections to
enable power transfer across borders and grid
integration of large volumes of renewable
energy. On the other hand, it highlights the
importance of distributed energy resources and
the combination of advanced measurement and
control with effective market mechanisms, thus
ensuring real-time balance and redundancy in the
grid (Fig. 29).
(4) Japan
For the Japanese government, the smart grid is a
critical tool to develop renewable energy,
improve power infrastructure, boost economic
growth and hedge against various risks. The
Energy Innovation Strategies
24 unveiled by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in
2016, target complete energy mix optimisation
by 2030 by expanding energy investment,
improving energy efficiency, increasing the share
of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse
gas emissions. This would help deliver the
national GDP target of JPY 600 trillion for 2030.
Japan holds the view that the smart grid
should make power supply efficient, high quality
and reliable by integrating large-scale distributed
power systems, high-speed communications
technologies, distributed energy resources,
energy storage devices and other demand-side
resources. Japan’s smart grids are divided into
national, regional and household (building)
levels. Their characteristics differ from level to
level. The national level comprises the transmission and distribution networks. Regions
include renewable power generation and, given
the reliance of renewables on weather conditions,
regional demand-supply balance through an
energy management system is essential (Fig. 30).
Households and buildings focus on the collection
of energy consumption data and the optimal
control of electric power.
25
6.1.2 Generic Technologies
in the Smart Grid
Smart grid technologies are an important driver
for the development of the smart grid. Power
distribution and retail are the priority fields for
innovation in smart grid technologies. Advanced
metering infrastructure, advanced distribution
automation, microgrids and the intelligent use of
electricity are often seen in the smart grid
development roadmaps of major countries.
(1) Overview
First, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
AMI integrates smart meters, communications
networks and data management. It allows
two-way communication between the grid and
end users. It also provides users with time-of-use
or real-time measurement data—such as power
consumption, voltage, current and electricity
prices—to facilitate efficient power consumption
by users and support coordinated grid operation.
26 A typical AMI architecture is shown in
Fig. 31.
AMI could provide power utilities with a
communications network that connects with
end-user terminals and improves grid control and
visibility with the data uploaded by AMI. It is a
very important foundation for the smart grid.
22
State Grid Energy Research Institute Co. Ltd., Analysis
Report on Development of Smart Grid in and outside
China, Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2015.
23
State Grid Energy Research Institute Co. Ltd., Analysis
Report on Development of Smart Grid in and outside
China, Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2013, p. 39.
24
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Energy
Innovation Strategies, 2016, pp. 1–2.
25
State Grid Energy Research Institute Co. Ltd., Analysis
Report on the Development of Smart Grids in and outside
China. Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2012, pp. 40–
46.
26
Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Customer Systems,
https://www.smartgrid.gov/recovery_act/
deployment_status/ami_and_customer_systems.html
(2015).
Special Report 3: A Study of China’s Technology Revolution
325
22 in 2016, committing to continue
developing the European smart grid.
The Roadmap to Implement the EU’s Power
Grid Vision,
23 initiated by the European Commission and developed by two major grid operators in Europe, outlines the future European
power system. On the one hand, the European
smart grid would comprise interconnections to
enable power transfer across borders and grid
integration of large volumes of renewable
energy. On the other hand, it highlights the
importance of distributed energy resources and
the combination of advanced measurement and
control with effective market mechanisms, thus
ensuring real-time balance and redundancy in the
grid (Fig. 29).
(4) Japan
For the Japanese government, the smart grid is a
critical tool to develop renewable energy,
improve power infrastructure, boost economic
growth and hedge against various risks. The
Energy Innovation Strategies
24 unveiled by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in
2016, target complete energy mix optimisation
by 2030 by expanding energy investment,
improving energy efficiency, increasing the share
of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse
gas emissions. This would help deliver the
national GDP target of JPY 600 trillion for 2030.
Japan holds the view that the smart grid
should make power supply efficient, high quality
and reliable by integrating large-scale distributed
power systems, high-speed communications
technologies, distributed energy resources,
energy storage devices and other demand-side
resources. Japan’s smart grids are divided into
national, regional and household (building)
levels. Their characteristics differ from level to
level. The national level comprises the transmission and distribution networks. Regions
include renewable power generation and, given
the reliance of renewables on weather conditions,
regional demand-supply balance through an
energy management system is essential (Fig. 30).
Households and buildings focus on the collection
of energy consumption data and the optimal
control of electric power.
25
6.1.2 Generic Technologies
in the Smart Grid
Smart grid technologies are an important driver
for the development of the smart grid. Power
distribution and retail are the priority fields for
innovation in smart grid technologies. Advanced
metering infrastructure, advanced distribution
automation, microgrids and the intelligent use of
electricity are often seen in the smart grid
development roadmaps of major countries.
(1) Overview
First, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
AMI integrates smart meters, communications
networks and data management. It allows
two-way communication between the grid and
end users. It also provides users with time-of-use
or real-time measurement data—such as power
consumption, voltage, current and electricity
prices—to facilitate efficient power consumption
by users and support coordinated grid operation.
26 A typical AMI architecture is shown in
Fig. 31.
AMI could provide power utilities with a
communications network that connects with
end-user terminals and improves grid control and
visibility with the data uploaded by AMI. It is a
very important foundation for the smart grid.
22
State Grid Energy Research Institute Co. Ltd., Analysis
Report on Development of Smart Grid in and outside
China, Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2015.
23
State Grid Energy Research Institute Co. Ltd., Analysis
Report on Development of Smart Grid in and outside
China, Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2013, p. 39.
24
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Energy
Innovation Strategies, 2016, pp. 1–2.
25
State Grid Energy Research Institute Co. Ltd., Analysis
Report on the Development of Smart Grids in and outside
China. Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2012, pp. 40–
46.
26
Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Customer Systems,
https://www.smartgrid.gov/recovery_act/
deployment_status/ami_and_customer_systems.html
(2015).
Special Report 3: A Study of China’s Technology Revolution
325