Relevant Policies on the Energy Internet

Policies on the Energy Internet focus on digitalization, smart grids, interoperability, renewable integration, and energy efficiency, supported by EU directives, international databases, and governance frameworks.

European Union Policies

The EU has developed a comprehensive policy framework to support the digitalization and greening of the energy system, which is central to the Energy Internet. Key initiatives include:

• Smart Grids Task Force: Co-chaired by DG CNECT and DG ENER, this body advises the European Commission on policy and regulatory directions, focusing on interoperability, cybersecurity, and flexibility markets .
• Standardization Mandates: The EU issued M/441 for smart meters and M/490 for smart grids to ensure communication standards and interoperability across distributed energy resources .
• Implementing Acts: The first implementing regulation (EU 2023/1162) establishes interoperability rules for access to metering and consumption data, with ongoing work on demand-response regulations .
• Funding Programs: Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, InvestEU, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility support the deployment of innovative, green, and secure cloud and energy solutions . These policies aim to integrate renewable energy sources (RES), enable demand-side response, and promote energy efficiency in data centers and cloud computing infrastructure, aligning with the EU's carbon-neutrality goals by 2030 .

International Policy Databases

Global tracking of energy policies is facilitated by organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and IRENA:

• IEA Policies and Measures Database: Provides information on government policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support renewable energy deployment .
• Global Energy Policies Hub: Catalogues over 6,500 policies across 84 countries, covering regulations, spending programs, and trade policies relevant to energy digitalization and clean energy technologies . These databases allow policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to monitor trends, compare national approaches, and identify best practices for Energy Internet development.

Governance and Digitalization Strategies

The UNECE Task Force on Digitalization in Energy highlights governance approaches for the Energy Internet:

• Digital Transformation: Policies encourage the use of IoT, blockchain, AI, and machine learning to optimize energy production, distribution, and consumption .
• Integration of RES: Digitalization supports peer-to-peer trading, local flexibility markets, and demand-response mechanisms .
• Sustainability and Efficiency: Policies emphasize real-time data management, energy efficiency, and environmental considerations while balancing economic growth . These governance strategies provide a framework for countries to implement Energy Internet solutions while ensuring interoperability, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

Summary

Existing policies on the Energy Internet combine EU directives, international policy databases, and governance frameworks to promote:

• Smart grid deployment and interoperability
• Integration of renewable energy and distributed energy resources
• Energy efficiency in digital infrastructure
• Data-driven energy management and demand-response mechanisms
• Cybersecurity and standardization for digital energy systems These policies collectively support the transition toward a digitally enabled, sustainable, and resilient energy system.