Smart Grid Implementation Research Articles

Modelling Barriers for Smart Grid Technology Acceptance in India

The numerous challenges faced by the power sector in India, like high transmission and distribution loss, power theft, frequent power outages and under billing, have impelled to adopt new technologies like smart grid to make the power grid more efficient and secure, leading to the need for interdisciplinary research in the area of power systems and management. An ambitious target of the Government of India to produce 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022 has created a drive towards implementing smart grid technology in India. Though the smart grid seems to be a promising solution, it requires considerable investment, infrastructure development and social acceptance by the consumers. Investigation of smart grid pilot projects in India clearly indicates a lack of consumer involvement and poor infrastructure development. This research aims to identify factors that can be considered barriers to smart grid technology acceptance in India and develop a hierarchical model. The present work has implemented a systematic and scientific approach that includes content analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and Matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) to develop a hierarchical model for smart grid technology acceptance. The result highlights the importance of consumer awareness and various factors affecting the consumer’s participation in the successful delivery of smart grid technology. It will undoubtedly help policymakers frame the long-term strategies for implementing smart grid technology, especially in a developing country like India. This paper’s contribution from a developing country perspective, made by findings on prioritising barriers, can help managers and policymakers plan a strategy for implementing the smart grid. The findings will undoubtedly help understand the significant factors for smart grid development. They can also be used as a reference for other developing countries with similar economic and social conditions that are planning to promote smart grids.

Dynamic energy scheduling and routing of a large fleet of electric vehicles using multi-agent reinforcement learning

As the world’s population and economy grow, demand for energy increases as well. Smart grids can be a cost-effective solution to overcome increases in energy demand and ensure power security. Current applications of smart grids involve a large numbers of agents (e.g., electric vehicles). Since each agent must interact with other agents when taking decisions (e.g., movement and scheduling), the computational complexity of smart grid systems increases exponentially with the number of agents. Computational tractability of planning is a significant barrier to implementation of large-scale smart grids of electric vehicles.Existing solution approaches such as mixed-integer programming and dynamic programming are not computationally efficient for high-dimensional problems. This paper proposes a reformulation of a Mixed-Integer Programming model into a Decentralized Markov Decision Process model and solves it using a Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning algorithm to address the scalability issues of large-scale smart grid systems. The Decentralized Markov Decision Process model uses centralized training and distributed execution: agents are trained using a unique actor network for each agent and a shared critic network, and then agent execute actions independently from other agents to reduce computation time. The performance of the Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning model is assessed under different configurations of customers and electric vehicles, and compared to the results from deep reinforcement learning and three heuristic algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate that the Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning algorithm can reduce simulation time significantly compared to deep reinforcement learning, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and the artificial fish swarm algorithm. The superior performance of the proposed method indicates that it may be a realistic solution for large-scale implementation.

Smart grids, smart households, smart neighborhoods – contested narratives of prosumage and decentralization in Berlin’s urban Energiewende

Imagined futures implicitly shape how a city’s infrastructure develops in the present. Because smart grids are still in the making, it is important to understand which urban futures are being associated with them. This paper asks how urban smart grid futures are being imagined through narratives and material practices in the city of Berlin and which notions of urban community these imagined futures stand for. Drawing on the concepts of socio-technical imaginaries and discourse, the paper unravels how relevant actors envision Berlin’s smart grid future, focusing especially on the role of urban “prosumage” and micro-grid-neighborhoods in the everyday production, consumption, and management of electricity in the city. The paper concludes that while one dominant imaginary prevails, this dominant imaginary is built on competing and in part contradictory narratives about the role of households, neighborhoods and the city in urban energy transitions. The analysis is based on a case study of three so-called urban laboratories for the development and implementation of smart grids in Berlin. It draws on policy documents and interviews with relevant stakeholders from Berlin’s energy, ICT, and urban development sectors, including representatives of incumbent utility companies, small energy entrepreneurs, public authorities, the research community, and civil society organizations.

Decentralized controlled charging and vehicle-to-grid solution for voltage regulation in low voltage distribution systems

Abstract This paper offers affordable controlled charging and a vehicle-to-grid solution that uses a non-smart power meter. Additional communication infrastructure in the low-voltage distribution network is not needed. Ladder logic control is developed to be easily implemented by any commercial programmable logic controller. The voltage values measured by the power meter and electric vehicle battery state of charge are the decision variables. A validity check based on the Monte Carlo method is conducted to test the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Electric vehicle charging requirements are simulated based on travel surveys. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution. The voltage level is kept within acceptable limits according to the power quality standard EN50160. One may argue that there is a mismatch between the rate of penetration of electric vehicles and the level of smart grid implementation, especially in developing countries with higher rates of wealth inequality. Therefore, the methodology presented in this paper can be seen as an affordable mid-way solution that will help distribution system operators in developing countries prepare for higher penetration levels of EVs.

Integrating Smart Grid Devices into the Traditional Protection of Distribution Networks

Smart grids are a reality in distribution systems. They have assisted in the operation, control, and most of all, the protection of urban networks, significantly solving the contingencies of these networks. This paper treats the initial stage of implementing smart grid switching devices in distribution networks. In this stage, smart grid technologies need to operate with the traditional protection elements (such as fuses, reclosers, and sectionalizers). This fact can create trouble in the protection schemes because there are two distinctive philosophies. In some companies, especially those without substantial capital, these two protection philosophies can run together for many years. The most popular intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) available in the market are studied to verify their features and the possibility to incorporate techniques to allow the two philosophies to work together. After that, the proposed approach shows how the existing IEDs can interact with the traditional devices. Special functions can also be incorporated to inform the control center of an operational problem, increasing the observability of the network. With the proposed approach, the IEDs are transformed into intelligent agents. Practical examples using real distribution systems are presented and discussed, proving the efficacy of the proposed methodology.

Data security tolerance and portable based energy-efficient framework in sensor networks for smart grid environments

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are effective devices used for remote surveillance, device failure prediction, and housing energy control in numerous smart grid implementations. Several interaction structures and remedies, such as broadband networks, cable networks, Wireless Sensor networks, have been suggested to assist Smart Grid implementations. Owing to their cheap, dynamic nature, robustness, and low energy profile, WSNs are attractive devices, and preserving a low energy pattern is an essential factor in WSN. Implementing quality services and safety techniques in sensor networks is challenging in smart grid applications. Thus, in this article, Portable and Data Security Tolerancebased Energy-Efficient Framework(PDST-EEF) has been proposed for maintaining a high standard of data security by lowering the sensor device energy usage in smart grid surroundings. PDST model is developed to ensure data privacy in sensor networks by utilizing an authentication method integrated with the cryptographic signature model to detect the various attacks. PDST identifies and separates attacks like denial of service and replay efficiently. EEF presents a low-power cyber safety mechanism on sensor networks with smart grid tracking applications. EEF is modeled with different stages like identifying anti-nodes, group development, and allocating keys less energy. EEF can operate with higher power efficiency techniques while preserving sustained throughput and reliability ideals. The experimental result shows that the PDST-EEF's specific request and authentication period is often enhanced by just a second with less energy usage of 5.06%.

Threat Modeling of a Smart Grid Secondary Substation

A full smart grid implementation requires the digitization of all parts of the smart grid infrastructure, including secondary electrical substations. Unfortunately, this introduces new security threats, which were not apparent before. This article uses a Smart Grid Threat Modeling Template implementing the STRIDE model to create a threat model of a digital secondary substation and its communication with the control center. Threats are classified by priority and need for further investigation. The tool was compared with a CORAS analysis, and was determined to be more time efficient. Denial of service (DoS) threats were classified as the most critical, and they were further evaluated in a precise simulation model created for this purpose. This model combines simulation with emulated communication, and enables verification of threat likelihoods and impacts. The results show that even publicly available tools can be easily used to disrupt grid communication and potentially cause loss of the entire grid’s observability and controllability.

Overview of smart grid implementation: Frameworks, impact, performance and challenges

High consumption and ever-increasing demand for electricity at commercial, residential, and industrial levels have attracted the research community to look for new technologies for the future grid. A smart grid is an advanced technology-enabled electrical grid system with the incorporation of information and communication technology. The smart grid also enables two-way power flow, and enhanced metering infrastructure capable of self-healing, resilient to attacks, and can forecast future uncertainties. This paper surveys various smart grid frameworks, social, economic, and environmental impacts, energy trading, and integration of renewable energy sources over the years 2015 to 2021. Energy storage systems, plugin electric vehicles, and a grid to vehicle energy trading are explored which can potentially minimize the need for extra generators. This study shows that the integration of renewable energy sources, plug-in electric vehicles, and energy storage systems provide long-term economic and environmental benefits and have identified challenges, opportunities, and future directions. This study is expected to serve as a potential source of guidance for the researchers to explore various aspects of the smart grid over the last 06 years which shows them the future directions. This survey will also serve as a guiding source for transmission and distribution systems operators while showing them the right path to transform their traditional grids into smart grids.

Energy Efficiency of the Ukrainan Economy: Problems and Prospects

The purpose of the article is to assess the current state of energy efficiency of Ukrainian economy and outline ways to increase it.
 The problem of high energy intensity of Ukrainian GDP is studied. The Ukraine’s position in the world on this indicator is analyzed. It is established that the main reasons for low energy efficiency of the national economy are the depreciation of fixed assets of large industrial enterprises; technological losses of electricity in the networks, which account for 11.6% of the total supply; lack of financial resources for the implementation of energy efficiency measures, lack of a systematic approach to energy consumption.
 The experience of implementation of Smart Grid projects of intellectual energy in the countries of the world is considered. It is established that more than 2930 organizations from 50 countries of the world take part in these projects. The main investments in Smart Grid projects are concentrated in: Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, France, Belgium and Sweden. In the European Union, companies implementing such innovative projects are reimbursed half of the costs of their implementation.
 The directions of the state energy saving policy in Ukraine are described: adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Energy Saving”; creation of the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine; approval of the Energy Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2035; development of the draft Concept of integrated implementation of Smart Grid in Ukraine until 2035, which aims to reduce technological losses of electricity to 7.5%.
 It is concluded that it is necessary to create energy management systems (SEM) at large enterprises, which will optimize the volume and modes of electricity consumption and reduce its losses in the production process. The main functions of SEM, principles of energy efficiency management at the enterprise and functions of the energy manager are defined.

Fuzzy cognitive map based modelling for smart grid implementation in India

Fuzzy cognitive map based modelling for smart grid implementation in India

Energy Growth and Sustainability Through Smart Grid Approach: a Case Study of the Nigeria Electric Grid

Over the last few years, energy growth and sustainability in Nigeria have suffered many difficulties resulting to inadequacy in the country’s power supply. Numerous solutions proffered by industry experts and energy reforms by the Nigerian government have brought little or no improvement in the energy sector including the unbundling of the nation’s major power company (Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN). The nation’s poor power supply resulting from outdated and unmaintained transmission and distribution facilities, inadequate power generation coupled with decrepit metering system used by consumers have immeasurably affected the nation’s economic development. This paper aims at introducing smart grids and distributed generation approaches as the potential and viable solutions to solve Nigeria’s poor power generation, transmission, and distribution issues. The smart grid technology transforms the nation’s traditional grid technology in order to achieve improved efficiency and reliability by incorporating new communication technologies, which have been lacking in the Nigerian power system. In this paper, the Nigerian energy sector is also examined and the benefits of smart grids to the sector are presented. The current situation of Nigeria in terms of smart grid implementation is also assessed and discussed while its challenges and recommendations are documented. However, it is concluded that in modernizing the current grid and considering the potentials of smart grid, numerous benefits can be achieved and the power supplied to consumers will be significantly improved.

Implementation of "Intellectual networks" – direction of ensuring the energy efficiency of the national economy of Ukraine

At the present stage of development of the world economy and almost all countries’ national economies, the problem of energy saving and energy efficiency rises. In developed countries, the solution to this problem depends not only on reducing energy consumption but also on the introduction of new innovative processes in power supply systems and energy systems. In particular, there is a growing interest in the modernization of energy systems in the world in recent years based on a new concept called Smart Grid ("intelligent power system"). The problem of energy efficiency is especially relevant for Ukraine, which has the highest value of energy intensity of gross domestic product, and the country's energy system is characterized by extremely high losses of electricity in the grid. The largest consumers of electricity in Ukraine are large industrial enterprises, where the high energy intensity of production is caused by the depreciation of fixed assets; lack of incentives to implement energy efficiency measures and of a systematic approach to energy consumption; lack of financial resources for the implementation of energy efficiency measures. Issues of identifying the problems of energy efficiency of the economy and ways to solve them are set out in the scientific works of such researchers as S. M. Baliuta, O. S. Bykonia, A. Yu. Danilkova, Ya. V. Krutohorskyi, O. O. Liakhova, Yu. T. Matvieieva, H. H. Pivniak, S. V. Sapozhnikov, O. V. Fedirets, V. O. Shvedun. Without diminishing the results of the previous research, it should be noted that a number of problematic issues on this topic are still studied insufficiently, which determines the relevance of the research topic. The aim of this research is to assess energy efficiency as a factor of the competitiveness of Ukraine's industrial products, justify the main reasons for the high energy intensity of GDP in Ukraine, and the necessity of innovative direction for the future development of energy through the implementation of "smart grids". Analysis of the energy sector’s current state and development has shown that the problems in the power industry today can not be solved only by extensive capacity-building of grids and increasing the number of electrical equipment. A new direction in the future development of energy is the implementation of smart grids ("Smart Grid"). The domestic national economy has problems with energy efficiency and energy saving. The solution to these problems lies in the field of implementing energy management and audit, studying and using foreign experience in the development of intelligent energy.

Mathematical Modeling of Enhanced Whale Optimization Based Power Quality Enhancement Using Unified Power Quality Conditioner for Implantable Biomedical Devices

Implantable biomedical systems that enable the majority of the functions of wireless implantable devices have made significant progress in recent years. Nonetheless, due to limited miniaturization, power distribution limits, and the unavailability of a stable link between implants and external devices, such systems are primarily limited to investigation. Generating electricity from natural sources and human body movement for implantable biomedical devices has emerged as a viable option. Nowadays, energy sources become the emerging use of electricity grid which has formed new challenges for the effectiveness of power quality, efficient energy utilization and voltage stabilization for biomedical applications. Power quality in the implementation of the smart grid in biomedical devices is regarded to be the most problematic. APFs (Active Power Filter) are preferred to reward the related problems, mainly because they can quickly filter out of the PQ and are a dynamic compensation. The UPQC with a PI control unit with DC source to be converted to a three stage inverter based on Enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm (EWOA) was precisely implemented in the article in order to eliminate voltage and current harmonics inadequate. Similarly, UPQC also used the Enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm (EWOA). In this approach, UPQC along with EWOA (Enhanced whale optimization) has been introduced for voltage and current harmonics elimination defect specifically. Similarly, EWOA was too implemented with UPQC. UPQC & EWOA conducted a performance estimate by estimating a simulation, results on comparing the parameters of THD levels, load current and voltage. The performance estimate is also used and the results achieved are shown. In order to analyze THD values and validate the system performance, performance estimates are built and compared with THD values, load voltage and current parameters.

Unraveling Ion Transport in Pentablock Copolymer Membranes for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Medium to long duration energy storage devices, such as redox flow batteries, will be imperative for implementing smart grids and accommodating the increasing use of renewable energy sources. Sodium (Na) based electrochemical energy storage is of interest for large-scale applications due to sodium’s low cost and high abundance compared to lithium and vanadium. The membrane plays a critical role in a flow battery, separating the catholyte and anolyte by preventing transport of the redox active species through the membrane. Thus, it is critical to develop mechanically robust, chemically resistant membranes. Considering that the membrane is a significant source of internal resistance and capacity fade in an operating battery, understanding the effect of electrolyte type and concentration on membrane transport properties is imperative for optimizing the performance of non-aqueous flow batteries. This study aims to unravel relationships between membrane transport properties and electrolyte concentration in a polar and non-polar organic solvent for a Na-based non-aqueous flow battery. A pentablock copolymer with a Na-transporting trifluoromethanesulfonimide (TFSI) center block was successfully synthesized. The fabricated membranes were equilibrated in tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) and propylene carbonate (PC) solutions with varying concentrations of sodium triflate (NaTf). Membrane properties such as uptake, conductivity, transport number, and salt absorption were measured as a function of electrolyte concentration. The membranes achieve an ionic conductivity of 7.2 x 10-5 S/cm in TEGDME and 1.4 x 10-4 S/cm in PC at moderate electrolyte concentrations. A high cation transport number (>0.75) was maintained across the concertation range for PC and up to 0.5M NaTf in TEGDME. This study suggests new design parameters for Na-conducting membranes for non-aqueous flow battery, where optimum membrane performance; a balance between uptake, conductivity, and charge carrier selectivity; can be achieved at moderate electrolyte concentrations of 0.5 M to 0.75 M NaTf.

Comprehensive Assessment of Smart Grids: Is There a Universal Approach?

A comprehensive assessment of smart grids is critical for their development. Existing scientific research testifies to the urgency and complexity of the problem of implementing smart grids effectively, both in terms of a single project performance and from the standpoint of creating a local, and later global, energy system. The multidimensionality of smart grids makes it challenging to assess the effectiveness of their implementation. Difficulties in evaluation arise because it is challenging to consider technical, technological, economic, and other relevant aspects of smart grids’ development within a single evaluation system. There are currently a significant number of smart grid assessment systems. However, it remains debatable how systematically and comprehensively they measure the efficiency of a smart grid. This, in turn, raises the question of whether there is a universal evaluation system that integrally considers all the crucial components of smart grids and is suitable for evaluating smart grid projects of different content. This article analyzes the most well-known approaches to comprehensive assessment of smart grids according to the completeness of their coverage of smart grids’ most critical components. This paper identifies the essential areas for assessing smart grids according to the most cited and authoritative research and regulatory documents of the European Union. As a result, seven groups of indicators were identified. These groups of indicators are the basis for comparative analysis of the comprehensive assessment approaches of smart grids. The results of the study should help determine the appropriateness of applying a particular evaluation system. In addition, the analysis of existing evaluation systems allows the shaping of a universal approach to evaluating smart grids comprehensively and systematically.

Electricity Market in Brazil: A Critical Review on the Ongoing Reform

With the current worsening of climate change-associated risks, the transition to low-carbon energy sources has become a global priority. In this context, the advances in the implementation of smart grids, which, in addition to greater efficiency and resilience, also allow greater penetration of renewable distributed energy resources, are becoming increasingly important. However, the necessary investments will be colossal. Many specialists see the process of opening up the electric energy markets as essential to boosting these new technologies. Greater decentralization of the decision-making process can potentially promote greater scalability. However, not all liberalization reforms have led to good results. Several researchers have been evaluating experiences in different countries. Brazil, a country with continental dimensions and peculiar characteristics, already counts with a mostly renewable electric energy generation mix. In recent decades, however, it has become increasingly dependent on fossil fuel sources. Brazil has been conducting a process of opening the electric energy market since the 1990s. This process has faced a series of barriers. This article presents a critical bibliographic review of the Brazilian Power System history and its ongoing opening process, its possible successes and errors, as well as its perspectives and challenges.

Possibility Implementation Analysis of the Smart Grid Network in a Current State Conditions of the United Energy Systems of Ukraine

The paper analyzes the current state of the energy system of Ukraine and the efficiency of generation and transmission of electricity. The analysis of the best world practices shows that the active development of modern technologies of energy accounting allows: to bring to a fundamentally new level the quality of data collection and analysis of consumers’ energy consumption; increases the efficiency of operational management of energy assets; promotes the active involvement of energy consumers in the processes of regulating their own energy consumption. Ukraine's energy system has been in operation for quite a long time, and it is difficult for it to withstand the load of modern times. The high level of wear of the main and auxiliary equipment of the power system and the uneven distribution of load in the network often lead to emergencies and power outages to consumers. Undoubtedly, increasing the efficiency of electricitygeneration and supply is an important and urgent task for Ukraine's energy sector. One of the modern and innovative concepts that can significantly affect the quality of electricity transmission is Smart Grid technology. This technology and its capabilities are not new. But the problems that accompany the widespread introduction of Smart Grid in the energy market of Ukraine do not have an unambiguous and effective solution. In this regard, this paper proposes to consider and discuss several scenarios for the implementation of Smart Grid in Ukraine, with an overview of their advantages and disadvantages. In particular, this is a scenario of monitoring and point-by-point implementation of certain Smart Grid technologies; scenario of development of existing and creation of new competencies in the field of Smart Grid; scenario of development and re-implementation of a comprehensive national program of innovative development of electric power on the basis of the Smart Grid concept. The ways of mathematical formulation of the Smart Grid optimization problem using the Data Science approach based on the machine learning system and neural networks are determined separately. These include Big Data processing methods, Data Mining, statistical methods, artificial intelligence methods, and Machine Learning. Data Science includes methods of designing and developing databases and application software. The main practical purpose of the scientist's work is to extract useful information for business from large arrays of information, identify patterns, develop and test hypotheses by modeling and developing new software, and therefore are necessary and sufficient conditions for theoretical justification of practical implementation of Smart Grid in Ukraine.

Imagining the smart city through smart grids? Urban energy futures between technological experimentation and the imagined low-carbon city

Current imaginaries of urban smart grid technologies are painting attractive pictures of the kinds of energy futures that are desirable and attainable in cities. Making claims about the future city, the socio-technical imaginaries related to smart grid developments unfold the power to guide urban energy policymaking and implementation practices. This paper analyses how urban smart grid futures are being imagined and co-produced in the city of Berlin, Germany. It explores these imaginaries to show how the politics of Berlin’s urban energy transition are being driven by techno-optimistic visions of the city’s digital modernisation and its ambitions to become a ‘smart city’. The analysis is based on a discourse analysis of relevant urban policy and other documents, as well as interviews with key stakeholders from Berlin’s energy, ICT and urban development sectors, including key experts from three urban laboratories for smart grid development and implementation in the city. It identifies three dominant imaginaries that depict urban smart grid technologies as (a) environmental solution, (b) economic imperative and (c) exciting experimental challenge. The paper concludes that dominant imaginaries of smart grid technologies in the city are grounded in a techno-optimistic approach to urban development that are foreclosing more subtle alternatives or perhaps more radical change towards low-carbon energy systems.

Aggregator units allocation in low voltage distribution networks with penetration of photovoltaic systems

The aggregator units are essential in implementing smart grids since they are responsible for connecting smart meters installed on the consumers and ensuring exchanging information with the utility control centers. This paper presents a methodology to allocate these aggregators in low voltage distribution systems with solar photovoltaic generation. The proposed method is composed of two stages. In the first one, the aggregators are allocated considering the minimization of the distance to the remote terminal unit and their installation costs using a method based on Particle Swarm Optimization. In the second stage, the smart meters are connected to each allocated aggregator using a graph method. These connections are performed, taking into account a function, which depends on the distance between the meters and the load density within the aggregator coverage area. The proposed methodology was tested using a 400 V low voltage distribution system with 45 residential loads and 12 photovoltaic generators. The results showed that the proposal allocates aggregators at points where the consumer groups' load curves into the aggregator coverage area are better characterized. The values of the average voltage profile and the system's power losses in each aggregator coverage area presented an excellent match with values obtained with the test system without installing aggregators. From this characterization, it is possible to get useful information for operational planning and expansion planning of low voltage networks with photovoltaic generators by aggregation areas.

Pemanfaatan Energi Terbarukan Dengan Menerapkan Smart Grid Sebagai Jaringan Listrik Masa Depan

Nowadays Indonesia is facing the challenges with the very high growth of electrical energy needs. The increased has not been followed by the growth of power generation. Various policies have been carried out by the government include the use of renewable energy, which refers to Presidential Decree No. 5 in 2006 on National Energy Policy by setting the contribution target of renewable energy in the national primary energy mix by 17% in 2025 and electricity projects of 35,000 MW. However the focus of policy is not to touch the electricity management sector that actually has a large contribution in performing electrical energy savings. One of them is the implementation of smart grid systems. Smart grid is a continuation of the current system to the next generation vision that combines the use of sensors, communications, computing and control capabilities in some form to improve the overall functioning of the electricity distribution system. Smart grid technologies is the key to use energy resources efficiently distributed. Moreover the smart grid may encourage the application of renewable energy through distributed generation massively. The main focus in this paper is to discuss the prospects, opportunities and challenges in the implementation of smart grid in power distribution systems to improve efficiency and accelerate the use of renewable energy in Indonesia.