SmartGrids lecture

Intelligent energy networks (SmartGrids) are considered to be a key instrument to transport renewable electricity to the consumers, to connect hybrid cars to the grid and to keep the liberalized electricity market functioning. According to president Obama, the transition of the American electricity grid into such a smart grid is a key element for saving the economy.

However, not many people know that SmartGrids is an European invention brought by the EU-Technology Platform "SmartGrids", whose next chairman will be professor Ronnie Belmans (IEEE Fellow). In this lecture he will explain what will be changing: Does SmartGrids stands for more than having smart meters? What will be the economic impact? Will the transition towards SmartGrids result in a multi-disciplinary revolution with many job opportunities (for engineers)?

Afterwards Eefje Peeters (VITO) will give a short overview of the ongoing research on smart grids in Flanders and new projects that will start in the near future.

After the lecture, there will be a reception for the participants.

The lecture takes place on May 12th 2009 in auditorium A, department of electrotechnics ESAT, University of Leuven. Send an for registration.

Program

20h00-20h40: What is SmartGrids? (Ronnie Belmans)

20h40-20h55: Researsch on SmartGrids in Flanders (Eefje Peeters)

20h55-21h00: Potential research opportunities and PhD positions about SmartGrids in Flanders

21h00: Reception