CEN / CENELEC / ETSI

Smart grids and standardization

Standardization is a key issue for smart grids due to the involvement of many different sectors along the value chain - from the generation to the appliances in the households. Because the smart grid is broad in its scope, the potential standards landscape is also very large and complex. This is why the three European Standards Organizations created a Joint Working Group (JWG), which produced a report that outlines Europe's standardization views in the area of smart grids, taking due account of existing global activities.

The final report is available here.

The standardization mandate M/490 on smart grid standardization to the European Standards Organizations (ESOs) adds to the challenge of the ESOs: the need for speedy action (a first set of results is requested before end 2012), the need to accommodate a huge number of stakeholders and to work in a context of many international activities and still changing solutions. Standardization of smart grids is not "business as usual".

The Standardization Mandate on standards for smart grids is available here.

CENELEC is the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization and is responsible for standardization in the electrotechnical engineering field. CENELEC prepares voluntary standards, which help facilitate trade between countries, create new markets, cut compliance costs and support the development of a Single European Market.

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is a business facilitator in Europe, removing trade barriers for European industry and consumers. Its mission is to foster the European economy in global trading, the welfare of European citizens and the environment. Through its services it provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical specifications.

CEN is a major provider of European Standards and technical specifications. It is the only recognized European organization according to Directive 98/34/EC for the planning, drafting and adoption of European Standards in all areas of economic activity with the exeption of electrotechnology (CENELEC) and telecommunication (ETSI).

ETSI is The European Telecommunications Standards Institute produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, converged, broadcast and internet technologies.

ETSI officially recognized by the European Union as a European Standards Organization.