The social-economic dimension of Smart Grids

This academic report addresses the identification of social-economic stakes (energy saving, economic valorisation, social valorisation, environmental valorisation) related to the implementation of smart grids, and also social-economic arrangements used in smart grids to promote their adoption by users. It is based on research works published on the 'Science Direct' web site which highlight some key points related to smart grids. Besides, this report is also based on researches performed by the European Commission and its research centre dedicated to smart grids which regularly publishes data bases concerning the progress of experiments and researches related to smart grids. Thus, the first part basically addresses historical aspects in order to present concepts related to electric power networks and their applications, as well as reasons which got companies and countries to move towards smart grids (business models, adoption of the technology). The second part proposes more actual and practical arrangements implemented by companies, and researches undertaken about smart grids. Studies projects (Spanish project, the Nice Grid) are mainly issued from European projects as Europe is massively investing in research on smart grids because of recently implemented objectives of protection of the environment.