What is the problem ? Goal : Realising the EU's 2020 targets on climate and energy
Europe has set itself ambitious energy and and climate change objectives for 2020: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, to increase the share of renewable energy to 20% and to make a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. The Smart Grid could largely support the realisation of these targets, but it is not a reality yet.
Why is EU Action required ? Smart grids are essential for the move to a low carbon economy
A smart grid is an electricity network using digital technology. In addition to electricity flows between suppliers and consumers it delivers information using two-way digital communications.Currently it is uncertain how precisely the smart grid will be implemented. How the environmental benefit from such a smart grid can be optimised needs to be further assessed.
What will the Commission do ?
The Commission will work to ensure:
By the end of 2011
Contact:
colette.maloney@ec.europa.eu