Intelligent Grid Seen As Essential

An interconnected smart power grid is the fastest way to a low-carbon energy system in Europe.

That was the takeaway from a two-day gathering of 160 scientists, businesspeople and government officers meeting in Denmark late last month to identify the quickest means to lessen CO2 emissions, according to a statement issued by Risø DTU, the National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy at the Technical University of Denmark.

Risø notes a major obstacle is the development of better batteries to store energy, which will take time. But, Risø adds actions must be taken now, including:

An interconnected intelligent power grid, integrated on a European level and able to store a higher level of renewable energy.

Risø says more research funds for new energy technologies and systems will be required.

We can achieve much with known technologies in the short term, but there is a need for research into new energy technologies and systems to enter the market after 2050.