The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on critical research, development and innovation initiatives to modernise the power grid.

The cooperation will help both organisations drive toward the European Power System 2040 and an Integrated Energy Network, and includes work to support: Next-generation tools and processes for electric grid operations and planning; Transmission and distribution system communication and information networks, and information sharing; and Cyber security and resilience.

“Together, our collaboration will help the development of international, industry-wide standards and technologies that will enable an optimally integrated power system for the benefit of customers and society” said EPRI Vice President of Integrated Grid R&D Mark McGranaghan.

“As the pace of change in technology development and implementation continues to accelerate, this collaboration allows us to address common issues that are truly international in nature” said ENTSO-E Secretary General, Laurent Schmitt.

EPRI continues to expand its international research coordination in Europe and will hold its European Power Delivery and Utilization Advisory meeting next week in Madrid, May 21-24, 2018. McGranaghan also is participating in this week’s InnoGrid2020+ conference in Brussels to support coordination. InnoGrid2020+ is the flagship event on grid innovation in Europe and is co-organised by ENTSO-E and the EU DSO association, EDSO for Smart Grids.

About EPRI

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, that conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public, on a non-discriminatory basis. An independent organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI’s members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to 40 countries. EPRI’s principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.