With a vision of 100% independence of fossil fuels, the electricity system needs to be rethought so that this becomes possible. Today the consumption manages how much electricity is produced. In the intelligent energy system (Smart Grids) the production controls the consumption. When the wind blows or the sun shines, consumption will be automatically adjusted, and consumption and consumers will go from being passive participants to actively be players in the electricity system. However, not in a way so that the individual must take a lot of complicated decisions, but through a series of automated technologies that seamlessly in the background serves as a part of everyday life.
This is done through an optimized market and two technical tools - management of consumption and storage of energy.
The research at Risø’s Programme for Intelligent Energy Systems lies within the following areas.

Models for analysis of socio-economic systems and electricity markets
A prerequisite for the electricity system to function optimally, is that there is an efficient market which ensures that all parties benefit from this - consumers, power companies and manufacturers, whether the power comes from large wind farms or small decentralized photo voltaic systems at the individual consumer.

Development of models for analysis of socio-economic systems and electricity markets with sophisticated mathematical tools are therefore one of the core areas of Risø's research. It focuses particularly on the interaction between design of the electricity market, renewable energy and flexibility of markets on time scales from day-ahead to real time.

Controlling consumption
The management of the current energy system is based on the fact that there are large power plants which ensure reliable voltage and frequency regardless of the level of consumption. In a future electricity system the stabilizing functions will be based on intelligent communications and interactions between several large and small entities in the network.
This is developed and tested in Risø’s SYSLAB that is an experimental platform for research and verification of strategies, monitoring, control and communications on a real electric grid with the possibility of island operation. The system consists of devices such as windmills, batteries, loads and generators. The integrated PowerFlex House is equipped for research in intelligent consumption and control strategies. SYSLAB is a part of the national consortium PowerLabDK.

Storage of electrical energy
Storage of electrical energy is an area which also has international focus. The perspective is on getting the area developed and streamlined. Storage can be done using many different technologies and different technologies have different characteristics such as the ability for rapid adjustment or the ability to store large amounts of energy for a long time. The storages have to work along the electricity system and to optimally support the network's reliable operation.

Risø's activities in this field, takes place in active interaction with other universities, Energinet.dk, utility companies, and the Industry.