Overview of applicability of ICT technologies for Smart Grids

Smart Grids are a new concept for the development of energy networks based on flexible of resources and energy appliances. Alongside information technology, communication technology plays a key role in the creation of Smart Grids. This paper compares available communication technologies in terms of their use for Smart Grids. In the introductory part of the paper is the categorization of systems for which communication will be provided. The core of the paper is an overview of all available communication technologies including the key technical and economic parameters. The output is the assignment of communication technologies to particular categories of use. The paper is a presentation of partial outputs of a research project created for a leading European operator of electrical networks.