Grid4EU

The goal of the Grid4EU project is to carry on demonstration pilots of Smart Grids solutions on a large scale basis. The project involves 27 partners in 12 EU countries; it is coordinated by ERDF, the main French distribution company, and has its technical management belonging to Enel.

The initiative will implement 6 demonstration projects in 6 EU countries (Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Czech Republic), to be integrated into a single one. It proposes solutions that go beyond the existing limits for electricity networks through the large scale integration of distributed generation, the improvement of energy efficiency, the enabling and integration of active demand and new electricity uses.

In this framework Enel will perform a project focused on the integration into distribution grid of energy production from renewable through advanced control systems; the budget for Enel project amounts to 8.2 million Euro. It will be carried out in the Forlì-Cesena area, together with other 4 partners ( Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico - RSE, Selta, Siemens, and Cisco). Activities in the region of Romagna will be performed in two high and medium voltage substations and the corresponding medium voltage network.

The core of the project is an advanced control system, which will communicate through a broadband communication system with the renewable generators and with all the relevant facilities of the medium voltage network, including a storage device. The resulting system will therefore be able to control power flows and voltage levels to properly integrate distributed generation in the network, as well as testing energy storage to enhance network operations.

Investment: 54 million euro
Project period: 4 years, from 2011 to 2015
Partners: 27, including 6 Electricity energy distributors: Enel, Cez, Rwe, Erdf, Iberdrola, Vattenfall.