Overview of socio-economic issues for smart grids development

Abstract

The electrical world system is experiencing many challenges, including the increasing presence of renewable energy sources characterized by high variability, the call for actions to mitigate climate change, the need to restructure the infrastructure already aged and then the development of smart grids. Smart grid projects have been launched in various countries around the world. The transition to the smart grid is affecting primarily the European Union and the United States, but also emerging markets such as China and India are strongly investing in the smart grids. In this paper we analyze the socio-economic aspects that are among the key variables towards the feasibility of smart grid projects. Construction of new infrastructures generally rises acceptance problems. Social acceptance of consumers is important for the adoption of new technologies. We advocate that multidisciplinary cooperation is needed to develop scientific research on smart grids.