ERIGrid

Renewable energy sources are key enablers in the endeavor to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and cope with the anthropogenic global warming. The intermittent behaviour of renewable energy sources and their limited storage capabilities present new challenges to power system operators in the maintenance of power quality and reliability. However, the increased availability of advanced automation and communication technologies has also provided new intelligent solutions to meet these challenges. Previous work has presented various new methods regarding the operation of highly interconnected power grids, with their corresponding components, in a more effective way. As a consequence of these developments the traditional power system is transformed into a cyber-physical system, a Smart Grid. Previous and ongoing research activities have mainly focused on validating certain aspects of Smart Grids, but until now there is no integrated approach for analysing and evaluating complex configurations in a cyber-physical systems manner that is available. The lack of system validation approaches for Smart Grids is well addressed by ERIGrid. Through the provision of a Pan-European research infrastructure, ERIGrid supports the technology development as well as the roll out of Smart Grid solutions and concepts in Europe. It undertakes a holistic, cyber-physical system based approach through the integration of 18 European research centres and institutions with outstanding research infrastructures. This will also feature joint development of common methods, concepts, and procedures. ERIGrid also integrates and enhances the necessary research services for analysing, validating and testing Smart Grid configurations. System level support and education for industrial and academic researchers is provided, as well, to foster future innovation. ERIGrid addresses these challenging aims by providing a single entry point to the research infrastructure and offering a broad spectrum of services to researchers active in Smart Grids. Ultimately, the fulfilled aim will be to strengthen the technical leadership of Europe in the energy domain.