The global concern for the environment and the need to counteract the effects that lead to global warming are the most important drivers for an improved electrical energy system
Along with establishing a common understanding of man-made changes in the global climate, scenarios have been presented, showing how future carbon emissions might be limited, or even reduced. The two major proposals in these scenarios are the introduction of renewable energy sources (to replace the traditional fossil based power generation) and, with higher priority, an increase in energy efficiency.
As a consequence the drivers for the future electrical system are:
- Efficiency: increasing the efficiency of power generation and reducing losses in transmission, distribution and consumption of electrical energy
- Sustainability: ensuring the effective integration of renewable power generation into the electrical system
At the same time, two other drivers are affecting the development of the future electrical system:
- Capacity: fulfilling the growing global demand of electrical energy
- Reliability: providing high-quality electrical energy whenever it is needed
