The evolution of interstate power grid formation

Abstract

This study analyzes the process of electric power system integration in various regions worldwide. This process is implemented by creating both interstate electric ties and power grids. The analysis is comprehensive and examines the system, spatial, technical, organizational, and market aspects of the integration. Various countries, including developed countries such as Europe and North America, as well as economically developing countries such as Central America and Africa, are involved in this process. However, the rates and scales of electric power integration differ across various regions worldwide. The analysis shows that the process of electric power integration, which has decades of history, is still ongoing, despite the growth of other trends, such as the development of distributed generation. Further electricity integration is expected to lead to the formation of a global power interconnection in the long term.