Page 40 - European Energy Innovation - Winter 2016 publication

40 Winter 2016 European Energy Innovation

SMART GRIDS

research and testing facilities to training programs and accelerate system will require a broad and holistic
exchange knowledge, coordinate international best practice approach also looking on synergies
joint assessment, and advance exchange of the electricity network with other
global best practices on electricity energy carriers and infrastructures like
system testing. To sum up ISGAN activities showcase for example gas grids and storages,
good practices for smart grid pilots, heating and cooling systems as well as
• A power T&D networks working demonstrations, and deployment; electro mobility. Across this landscape
group supports joint consideration identify areas for increased attention of change, it is crucial for policy
of the technical needs and related and investment; improve international makers to understand the possible
policy–regulatory–institutional collaboration on smart grid testing synergies and the need for a system
considerations for future, smart, and evaluation; and support a global view in which global know-how and
sustainable electricity networks. community of smart grid practitioners. best practice can be shared. This is a
The outcome of these activities global challenge that requires global
• An ISGAN working group focused are leveraging organisational and cooperation. l
on the smart grid transition institutional learning and innovation
examines the institutional change process across sectors and disciplines
management considerations accelerating the deployment of
that will support or impede the smart grid solutions and applications
evolution to smart energy systems. including new market arrangements
as demand response and energy
• The ISGAN Award of Excellence storage. Energy and the ICT Industry,
is an annual competition that research institutions, the relevant
showcases global leadership bodies of the public sector as well as
and innovation in smart grids, new market actors and early adopting
highlighting the value that smart customers are all key actors in this
grids provide for specific objectives, process defining and verifying smart
such as renewables integration. grid solutions to improve electricity
system over-all efficiency to the benefit
• The ISGAN Virtual Academy is a of consumers.
new online curriculum for smart
grid professionals that will augment The long-term and sustainable
or reinforce national and regional planning of the future electricity

Biography Karin Widegren Further information can be found
on the ISGAN website
Karin Widegren holds a position as Adviser to the Director General at the http://www.iea-isgan.org/
Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate, the Swedish energy regulator, with
policy development in relation to electricity market design and implementation
of new technology with focus on smart grid and demand side flexibility as
her main expertise. Since spring 2015 Karin Widegren is Vice Chair of ISGAN
(International Smart Grid Action Network) an IEA Technology Collaboration
Program. Karin Widegren has also served as the Director of the Swedish
Coordination Council for Smart Grids, assigned by the Swedish government
for the period 2012 – 2014 with the scope to develop a national action plan
for smart grid. Karin Widegren is also one of 18 members of the Forum for
Swedish Smart Grids, appointed by the Swedish Government and lead by the
Ministry of the Environment and Energy with the mission to implement the
action plan proposed by the Swedish Coordination Council for Smart Grids.

Before joining the Council Karin Widegren held a position as Director of
International Affairs at the Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate. Her career
also includes a position as Science and Technology Attaché at the Swedish
Office of Science and Technology in the USA and as Deputy Director for
Energy Market Policies at the Swedish Ministry of Industry, Employment and
Communications. As a former Research Project Manager within Vattenfall, Karin
Widegren has gained a broad experience from corporate energy research.

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