With the rise of renewable energy, Europe’s electricity systems have undergone a fundamental shift.
In the past, electricity demand was largely met by controllable generation from coal, gas, nuclear and hydropower, which could be adjusted to match changing consumption.
But wind and solar don’t operate on a fixed schedule – they are dictated by the weather. Solar, for example, is generated during daylight hours – but energy consumption is lower in the day due to people being out of the house at work or school.
Adapting to these fluctuations is one of the biggest challenges facing Europe’s energy system today and smart meters are a key part of the puzzle.
To maintain stability on the electricity grid, supply and demand must be kept in a delicate balance. This is more complex to achieve as a greater share of electricity comes from variable renewable sources.
