Continuity of supply and voltage quality in the electricity network of the future

This paper introduces three examples of new thinking for addressing the challenges that the power system has to cope with. Such new thinking in combination with new technology will be an important element in the transition to the future electricity network (the "smart grid"). With overload protection it is important to not remove the overloaded component but the cause of the overload so as to protect the other network users against an interruption. The limits set to the hosting capacity by potential overvoltages can be removed either by new technology (curtailment of production) or by allowing occasional overvoltages. Allowing higher levels of non-characteristic harmonics is a possible alternative for strict emission limits on new installations. In all cases it is essential that the interests of the network user are considered.