Advancing Microgrid Technologies for Enhanced Smart Grid Integration

Microgrids are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of modern power systems, offering localized generation, storage, and control capabilities that enhance the resilience, flexibility, and sustainability of the broader electrical grid. As the share of distributed and renewable energy resources grows, the ability of microgrids to operate both autonomously and in coordination with the main grid becomes critical to maintaining stability, reliability, and efficiency across increasingly complex smart grid architectures.Despite significant progress, several challenges remain in achieving seamless microgrid integration. These include managing bidirectional power flows, ensuring robust communication and control under variable operating conditions, coordinating multiple distributed energy resources, addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and developing standards that support interoperability across heterogeneous systems. Advances in control strategies, optimization algorithms, energy storage, power electronics, and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things offer promising pathways to overcome these barriers.This Research Topic aims to bring together original research, reviews, and perspectives that advance the theoretical understanding and practical implementation of microgrid technologies within smart grid frameworks. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Control and management strategies for grid-connected and islanded microgrid operationo Optimal planning, sizing, and siting of distributed energy resources within microgridso Energy storage integration and management for microgrid stabilityo Power electronics and converter technologies enabling microgrid flexibilityo Communication architectures and protocols for microgrid coordinationo Cybersecurity and resilience in microgrid and smart grid systemso Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven approaches for microgrid operation and forecastingo Economic and regulatory frameworks supporting microgrid deploymento Case studies and field demonstrations of microgrid–smart grid integrationBy consolidating recent advances and emerging perspectives, this Research Topic seeks to support the development of more resilient, efficient, and sustainable power systems, and to foster collaboration among researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward next-generation smart grid solutions. Topic editors: Om Hari Gupta, Ravishankar Tiwari, Manoj Kumar Kar, PRASHANT KUMAR Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84487/advancing-microgrid-technologies-for-enhanced-smart-grid-integration