4 April 2011: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the report “Technology Roadmap- Smart Grids,” which underscores that the widespread deployment of smart grids is critical for a secure, cost-effective and clean energy future.

This report sets out, in part, to counter current misunderstandings of exactly what smart grids are and underestimations of how physically and institutionally complex their realization will be considering the scale on which they will be needed to achieve shared global goals regarding energy security, economic development and climate change mitigation. It also provides an overview of the current status of smart grid technologies and methods for expanding their use through to 2050.

The report contains chapters on: electricity system needs for today and the future; smart grid deployment; a vision for smart grid deployment to 2050; technology development – actions and milestones; policy and regulatory framework – actions and milestones; international collaboration; and a near-term roadmap actions for stakeholders.

Among the reports key findings are that: smart grid growth is partially hindered by reluctance of governments to take ownership and responsibility for their development; large-scale demonstrations are urgently necessary to encourage solutions to their integration into existing infrastructure; these demonstrations must take place in all world regions to illustrate their usefulness within different national and business contexts; current regulatory and market systems can hinder demonstration and deployment of smart grids; awareness raising on the regulator and consumer benefits of smart grids is needed; and developing countries can also benefit significantly from smart grids. [IEA Press Release] [Publication: Technology Roadmap- Smart Grids] [Key Findings] [Key Insights in Graphics]