A Review on Socio-technical Transition Pathway to European Super Smart Grid: Trends, Challenges and Way Forward via Enabling Technologies

Abstract

This study adopts a retrospective empirical approach to review the innovative methods and techniques in the European Union perspective aimed at transitioning from a smart grid to a super smart grid. The European Union (EU) has embarked on an even more significant modernization of its electricity infrastructure. Central to this transformation is the development of a super smart grid, which leverages enabling technologies to augment grid intelligence and interconnectivity across Europe. The review critically examines the technical, regulatory, and economic measures adopted by the EU to facilitate this transition. It highlights the challenges posed by the integration of renewable energy systems (RES), such as intermittency, cybersecurity threats, and the need for advanced demand-supply balancing mechanisms. Furthermore, it addresses the systemic and market barriers to grid expansion and modernization, including the necessity for updated regulatory frameworks and enhanced public acceptance. The study also delves into innovative solutions like blockchain-based decentralized energy transactions, which offer promising avenues for secure, efficient, and autonomous energy balancing. The development of a super smart grid leverages artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and real-time decision-making, while the metaverse facilitates immersive simulation and optimization of energy systems through digital twins and virtual power plants. Furthermore, this study delivers a comprehensive overview of the potential challenges and issues encountered in super smart grids, emphasizing the crucial role of regulatory reforms and technological innovations in achieving a sustainable, intelligent, and interconnected European power grid.