This ISGAN white paper explores how smart grid technologies can support the integration of variable renewable resources (VRR), such as wind and solar, into modern electricity systems. It highlights the growing challenges associated with the variability and uncertainty of renewable generation, including transmission constraints, ramping requirements, voltage stability, and system balancing. The report places smart grid solutions within a broader set of integration tools, including market mechanisms, operational strategies, and conventional infrastructure. The publication demonstrates how smart grid technologies—such as advanced monitoring systems, demand response, energy storage, and digital control systems—enhance grid flexibility, reliability, and efficiency. It also emphasises the role of demand-side participation, improved forecasting, and real-time data exchange in managing fluctuations in supply and demand. In addition, the report presents practical examples from ISGAN member countries, illustrating how both utility-scale and distributed energy resources can be effectively integrated. Overall, the document provides a comprehensive overview of how smart grids act as a key enabler for higher shares of renewable energy, while outlining important considerations for policymakers and system operators in designing future-proof, low-carbon electricity systems. This publication was prepared for the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) by Working Group 4. ISGAN is organized as the Implementing Agreement for a Co-operative Programme on Smart Grids (ISGAN) and operates under a framework created by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The views, findings and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of any of ISGAN’s participants, any of their sponsoring governments or organizations, the IEA Secretariat, or any of its member countries.
ISGAN (Wed,) studied this question.