This summer school is centered around the scientific question whether a high penetration of distributed generation, such as rooftop solar installations or wind power, would make the electrical distribution system unreliable or unstable. To reap the full potential of renewable, environment-friendly solar and wind power and to reduce investments in wide-area grids and transportation losses, we need to better balance supply and demand at the local or regional level. This is goal of smart power grids and virtual power plants.
