Smart grids are seen by many as an effective solution to address some of the toughest challenges the electricity industry has faced so far; the integration of renewables on a very large scale, the promised rise in number of electric vehicles, the necessity of energy efficiency, the improved security of supply or the arrival of the ‘prosumer'. Equipment manufacturers and IT solution providers are eagerly awaiting the hundreds of billions of euros to be invested over the next decades. In this article, we advocate that smart grid technologies have the potential to transform the electricity markets given they are for the most part readily available, but, the correct regulatory framework first needs to be put in place. Failure to recognise the need for a regulatory overhaul can only hamper and delay the deployment of smart grids and their expected benefits. For the most part, readily available smart grid technologies have the potential to transform electricity markets. However, the regulatory framework is seldom supportive. Failure to recognise the need for a regulatory overhaul can only hamper and delay the deployment of smart grids and their expected benefits.

In this training webinar, the Solutions Center—in partnership with Enerdata—participants learn about key regulatory issues associated with the deployment of smart grids. Drawing on case studies from Europe, the training delves into the regulatory regimes, anticipated costs and benefits of smart grids, best practices that foster grid integration, and regulatory frameworks that support (or hinder) smart grids.

Panelists

Bruno Lapillonne, Vice-President and Co-founder, Enerdata

Bruno Lapillonne, Vice-President and co-founder of Enerdata, is globally recognised expert of energy efficiency & demand and policy evaluation. Lapillone is recognised worldwide as an expert of energy supply & demand and policy monitoring. With more than 30 years of experience, he is the technical coordinator of the European Commission’s Odyssee project, and of the World Energy Council’s policy monitoring analysis. He also manages training sessions as well as development of databases and information products. Lapillonne has published numerous articles on energy prospective.

Nicolas Brizard, Associate Consultant, Enerdata

Nicolas is an experienced consultant and project manager with close to 20 years of experience in strategic analysis and market research. He has progressively specialised in energy markets in particular electricity, natural gas and renewables, and he has worked both as a manager in the power and gas industry (Essent, Netherlands) and as a senior consultant at various research and advisory firms including Enerdata (France) and IHS Global Insight (UK). He is now an independent energy consultant and runs his own consulting firm.