Smart grids balancing intermittent solar and wind energy with flexible power demand could do for Europe what shale gas has done for the United States, a senior European Union official said on Wednesday (1 April).
European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said smart grids are crucial for EU single energy market plans as they could integrate more renewables into electricity networks, boost security of supply and help lower prices for consumers.
"Smart grids should become Europe's shale gas," he told a conference of Brussels-based European grid organisations ENTSO-E and EDSO.
Image: Maroš Šefčovič (European Commission)
