Grid Integration [In My View]

As a research area, grid integration of variable renewable energy resources touches all areas of electrical power engineering. It stretches into areas as diverse as economics and social science, is both applied and fundamental, and has aspects that require technology development and others that require analysis. It is topical and fast moving, has longevity, and involves stakeholders as diverse as policy makers, equipment manufacturers, and system operators. Grid integration is, in my view, the most interesting and exciting area of research in the world today. In addition to experiencing increasing levels of renewable energy sources, electricity grids are undergoing other significant changes including the deployment of smart meters, more active demand-side participation, and increasing levels of energy efficiency. Electricity is also increasingly moving into the transport (electric vehicles) and heat (heat pumps) markets. Hence electricity grids are set to become even more central in energy systems, and the future is truly "electric".