Smart grids in the European Union ; 2023

This document provides an overview of the latest technological and market trends on the topic of Smart Grids in the European Union. Given the broad scope of the topic and the comprehensive approach followed in the last year report, the analysis has focused instead on two specific enabling technologies which have exhibited significant developments in the last year: High Voltage Direct-Current (HVDC) connections and Smart Metering Infrastructure. The choice of analysing HVDC recognizes the fundamental role that the network infrastructure will play in the smooth integration of new renewable sources and in the support to an efficient operation of a decarbonized grid, whereas the focus on Smart Metering Infrastructure is meant to highlight its relevance in the upgrade of the energy grid, with numerous smart meter rollout plans worldwide. For each of these two topics, the current status is reported in terms of technology developments and trends, value chain analysis and global competitiveness.