STRIDE Improved energy planning through the Integration of Smart Grid concepts in the Danube Region

Over the past years, smart grids have been placed very high at the European Union's agenda. At the beginning, this field was specific in its introduction, since it required concrete and realistic system solutions. Today, with the extensive development of technologies, these initial barriers are overcome. Experts in this field are unanimous that smart grids represent the entire future development of the electric power system. Smart grid concepts cover all areas, from the planning, operation, maintenance of the grid on one side and on the other side from production, transmission, distribution and end-use. In other words, smart grids are presenting the normal network development. There are no more specifics and new innovative technologies are starting to be used across all segments of the network. Even though the technology is ready, the Danube region is still in the early stages of the actual deployment of smart distribution systems. In this process, regions and local communities across the Danube area lack knowledge and capacities for the integration of smart grid concepts into regional and local policies, which is essential in the further development of Smart Villages, Smart Cities or Smart Regions.
The STRIDE project aims to provide through knowledge transfer and development of planning tools, a comprehensive support for regional/local policy makers for the improvement of energy planning. Within the project carried out regional analyses, developed strategies, action plans and other tools (methodologies, guidebook, platform) will enable and accelerate the integration of smart grid concepts into regional and local policies. Furthermore, the Methodology for regional analysis, the Guidebook and the Platform will be designed in a way that allows the use and application throughout the entire Danube region and therefore the outcomes of the project will represent a high replication value.