London, U.K. --- (METERING.COM) --- January 23, 2013 - The Global Smart Grid Federation has created three working groups, on the connection of small distributed generation,user interfaces for storage and EVs, and interoperability, to address key areas in the development of smart grids, particularly pertaining to the scaling up of pilots to national level.

Work Group 1 - Grid connectivity of distributed gen¬eration (GCDG)

Distributed generation, as outlined by the GCDG work group, is generally considered to be small (up to 20 MW) electric production facilities dedicated to the support of nearby associated load. DG can utilize both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. When considering power grid connectivity for each of these forms of DG, there are numerous issues that arise with conventional power transmission and distribution systems. On the distribution level, small scale renewable energy systems can cause concerns with the loading, harmonic content, and voltage support effects. Over the coming weeks, the work group will continue to outline this initial perspective and corresponding issues.

The proposed objective is to produce a white paper, addressing core issues of connecting distributed generation to distribution grids, but with a holistic view that does not promote a specific technology or particular manufacturer or supplier.

Work Group 2 – User interfaces for storage and EVs/PHEVs

This working group aims to sort out the present situation and potential subjects for future developments regarding activities toward EV/PHEV diffusion, the interaction between EVs/PHEVs and the power system, and their interface. It will study and analyze the outcomes to increase the demand for EVs/PHEVs, considering the situations of each member’s own country and region.

In order to avoid duplicating the work and outcome of the other work groups, points that will be considered include sharing information on grid connection of EVs/PHEVs, identifying developments for the future, and studying and analyzing the way to increase people’s buying intentions considering the diffusion of EVs/PHEVs.

Work Group 3 – Interoperability

The scope and set-up of the group will be developed during the coming weeks. The general idea is to bring forward a paper by the end of 2013, describing the importance of interoperability and identifying areas where further work is needed, areas where standards are being/should be developed, where other measures are needed, and to bring forward a reference to best practices for smart grid interoperability.

Many organizations are presently involved in work on smart grids standards and interoperability and the idea is to connect to the on-going work and findings to date.

The growing Global Smart Grid Federation currently numbers in its membership 14 national smart grid initiatives.