The EU wants renewables to provide at least 45% of its power by 2030. However, the intermittency of wind and solar, and their distributed nature, mean there is still a long way to go before grid operators can integrate renewables while ensuring a reliable, high-quality supply.

Smart grids offer the solution. They will help to integrate many small low-carbon generators and enable large-scale use of electric vehicles, while letting consumers play an active role in energy markets through effective demand response.

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