The report discusses the potential business models in the energy market of the future through Smart Grid technology. The current power grid infrastructure is reaching its capacity and quality limits, and the growing proportion of decentralised energy generated through renewables is making power transmission and distribution increasingly complex. A Smart Grid that combines innovative information and communications technologies with classic energy components will allow intelligent and highly automated network control and maintenance. The German power grid has until now been considered the best in the world for network quality, but the increase in the average power supply interruption period per customer demonstrates the emerging risks that the ageing power grid poses. The requirements of a modern power supply are changing, integrating energy generated through renewables and the subsequent increase in frequency and volatility of power supply will require a more flexible and dynamic grid. The Smart Grid market offers established and new players in the energy market the opportunity to achieve a share of the market, but also poses risks and challenges, such as the need for significant investment in infrastructure and the potential for cyber attacks.
