A survey on the development status and challenges of smart grids in main driver countries

Smart grids are among the most significant evolutionary developments in energy management systems because they enable integrated systems, including decentralized energy systems, the use of large-scale renewable energy and major improvements in demand-side-management. Research on smart grid development has been carried out worldwide for more than ten years, and there are already successful cases and rich experiences in this field. This paper compares the development backgrounds and infrastructure statuses of smart grids in various countries. It also presents an overview of the smart grid development situation within these countries. Moreover, it discusses the research results and lessons learned from smart grid projects in different countries and summarizes their achievements and challenges. Although every country has its own electricity market modes and basic energy situation, our findings can provide a map for national policy makers and power companies to guide the development of smart grids.