ABSTRACT
The next-generation electricity network, that is, the smart grid, comes as a response to evolutions in the electricity market. The demand for power is increasing in both developing and developed countries. By 2030, a 50% and a 40% increase in the consumption are expected in the United States and Europe, respectively. It should triple in China and India, and double at the global level [1]. This increase should be accounted for, and quality of service (no interruptions, no variations in voltage, etc.) should be improved and maintained. Furthermore, the availability of fuels can no longer be taken for granted with the ever-increasing demand for energy. Even if these resources are available, and the so-called peak oil is avoided, the long-term impact of carbon emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels will damage the world’s climate [2]. That is why, currently, there is a global consensus to increase energy efficiency, stimulate usage of renewable energy sources, and reduce CO2 emissions. Thus, we are witnessing the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) to the consumers market; the proliferation of the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal; and the establishment of demand side management programs. Nevertheless, the integration of EVs will increase the demand for electricity, the heterogeneous intermittent sustainable energy sources will require efficient management, and two-way communications are needed in order to put in place different energy efficiency programs.
