The role of smart grid in integrating the renewable energies in Slovakia

Abstract

Implementation of renewable energy sources into the electric network is one of the current essential requirements. The process is assumed to be assisted by smart grid solution. The Slovak Republic is obliged to increase the total share of renewable energy to 14 and 24 % (international system of units and ISO 31–0) in electricity generation in 2020 as a result of the European Union policy. This fact has an undeniable impact on the electric network and the situation needs to be solved comprehensively. Moreover, production from renewable energy sources (photovoltaic, wind energy and others) is often unpredictable in nature and therefore concentrated effort on effective management system and planning is inevitable. Monitoring of the real production from renewable energy sources and comparison with simulations and predictions are part of a systematic approach to intelligent networks and their components. The smart grid concept presented here takes into account the technical aspect. Moreover, the issue of the economic and political framework is discussed in this paper. The major progress in implementing the smart grid concept in Slovakia is made in the field of smart metering.