Reaching the goals: The energy trilemma

Robust grid: A grid that safeguards the security of electricity supply (energy availability, power capacity, reliabililty of supply and voltage quality/ as well as safety, privacy and cyber security.
One of the main reasons for transforming today’s ageing and passive electricity grid into an active, flexible, robust and intelligent grid – a smart grid – is to lay the foundation for reaching national and international energy and climate goals.
However, creating the smart grid is not the main challenge. The main challenge is to do it in an affordable way, while showing consideration for the environment and ensuring a high security of supply. We call this the energy trilemma.
Economy
With our research and innovation, we shall enable a cost-efficient realisation of the future flexible and robust electricity distribution grid, while minimizing strain on society. This will in turn reduce the total distribution system costs compared to the “business as usual”- solutions, by reducing both operational (OPEX) and investment costs (CAPEX).
Environment
Our work paves the way for increased distributed generation from renewable energy sources, further electrification of transport, and a more efficient use of electric power and energy.
Security of electricity supply
We develop the knowledge and methods needed to ensure the security of electricity supply. We do this by focusing on energy availability, power capacity, reliability of supply and voltage quality – as well as cybersecurity, safety and privacy – as important aspects of developing the elUnderectricity grid of the future.