8 November 2010: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a document containing the initial findings of its upcoming Smart Grids Technology Roadmap.

Launched at the Korea Smart Grid Week in the Republic of Korea, the document looks at smart grid drivers and required actions by stakeholders to support their development. It indicates that, among the most relevant findings on technology thus far, are that: large-scale demonstration of existing and nearly mature smart grid technology is urgently needed; emerging economies have real possibilities to leap-frog into smart grid usage; and global standards are needed to accelerate technology development.

On strategies to realize smart grids, the document recognizes: an important role for government interaction with the private sector and advocacy groups, due to the complexity of the task at hand; that current regulatory and market systems can act as a barrier to smart grid creation; and that building awareness and consensus amongst consumers on the value of smart grids is essential. [The Document]