Comparison of smart grid development in five developed countries with focus on smart grid implementations in India

Smart grid is the future of electricity that can revolutionize the way present electricity grids are monitored and controlled. Smart grid uses highly automated and digitized operation for real time applications. Smart grid is in its developing stage in India. National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) was launched by Ministry of Power, that plans and monitors policies and programs for development and deployment of smart grid in India. Total of 14 pilot projects and 1 smart city project are announced so far for smart grid development in India. This paper reviews smart grid, along with its various building blocks. Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, and Japan are comparatively studied, for smart grid development and implementation. Smart grid projects undergoing in these countries along with their technological developments are also described. The driving factors for smart grid development in these countries and India are summarized.