Comparison of the development of Smart Grids in China and the United Kingdom

The current status of the development of Smart Grids in the UK and China was reviewed. The definitions, policy and technical drivers, technology composition, incentive mechanisms and industry actors of Smart Grids are discussed and contrasted. The comparison shows considerable divergence in the emphasis placed on different aspects of Smart Grids between the two countries. In particular the UK emphasizes developments within distribution networks, including the demand side, while China also emphasizes the UHV transmission.