From Regional to Continental Scale System Development: a New Methodological Approach to Studies of an Intercontinental Global Grid

Electric grids and power systems around the world are in transition, evolving towards a more sustainable framework to foster the integration of an increasing penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). In this context, the adequate and timely development of power grids is of paramount importance for the proper integration of RES. In addition to several regional and pan-continental analyses and studies across the globe, an emerging field of investigation concerns the development of an inter-continental global grid. Interconnecting the different regions/continents worldwide may facilitate the optimal integration and exploitation of RES, considering local conditions and RES variability features streamlined on a global scale. After providing an updated view on past and ongoing studies in different regions/continents, this paper presents a new methodological approach for an optimal development of an intercontinental global grid.