Dear Colleagues,

Smart grids refer to the next generation of power grids that are designed to enhance energy generation, transmission, and distribution. They are realised by integrating renewable energy sources into the grid via intelligent monitoring, bidirectional communication, control, and self-healing technologies. In order for smart grids to be successful, it is necessary to combine a number of cutting-edge technologies. At the moment, the future objective is to realise more sophisticated smart grid networks and systems, and three developing concepts that are leading the way in this regard are: edge intelligence (EI), augmented reality (AR), and transactive energy (TE).

Edge computing is envisaged in smart grids because of the massive volume of data generated by network-installed sensors, which necessitates data computation and analysis near the network's edge. Thus, edge computing ensures that these storage and processing resources are relocated closer to the data source and away from distant central data centres (cloud). Furthermore, the intensive data processing and analysis at the network's edge has prompted the application of machine learning techniques in edge computing, thus resulting in the concept of EI. In addition, the research community is beginning to take a particular interest in cutting-edge research on how to use AR to realise smarter energy systems. This entails the possible development and application of digital twins, augmented or virtual reality, and cyber-physical systems to significantly enhance the performance of future power grids. Finally, with the successful development and implementation of the above technologies, it will become feasible to realise TE systems in smart grids. Through TE, it becomes possible for smart grid users, prosumers, and energy producers to exchange and sell energy, ensuring that supply and demand are balanced across the entire smart grid infrastructure.

Consequently, the purpose of this Special Issue is to invite the most recent advancements, fresh views, problems, and future directions in realising and enhancing smart grids from the viewpoints of EI, augmented/virtual reality, and TE.

Thus, the topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced edge, fog, and mist computing techniques for smart grid networks;
• AI-based advanced metering infrastructure solutions in smart grids;
• New machine learning development and implementation techniques for smart grid applications;
• Remote load data metering and control in smart grids;
• Advanced forecasting for fault/outage and theft detection in smart grids;
• Sensor development for smart grid applications;
• Energy management systems deployed in smart grid systems;
• Advanced Internet of things applications in smart grid;
• Distributed renewable resource integration and management in smart grids;
• Advanced AI-embedded wireless communication technologies for smart grid applications;
• AI-based electric vehicles integration and management systems in smart grids;
• Advanced security solutions for smart grids, with interest in digital ledger technologies in smart grids;
• AR for automatic training/guiding in smart grids;
• Remote assistance using AR in smart grids;
• Augmented worker applications in smart grids;
• AR for situational awareness in smart grids;
• Digital twins and its application in smart grids;
• Cyber twin approaches for smart grids;
• Cyber-physical systems and their applications in smart grids;
• Transactive distribution management techniques for smart grid operations;
• Architecture implementations of TE at the retail and wholesale levels;
• TE controller designs based on distributed data processing and multi-agent systems;
• Algorithms for automated markets in TE-based smart grid systems;
• TE system information technology development and standardization; 
• Evaluation of transactive energy applications and/or business cases;
• Development of transactive controllers for smart grids;
• System testing and benchmarking of TE controllers for smart grid coordination.

Prof Adnan M. Abu-Mahfouz
Prof Guangjie Han
Dr Adeiza James Onumanyi
Dr. Nour Moustafa
Prof Jaime Lloret
Guest Editors

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• augmented reality
• cyber security
• edge intelligence
• embedded systems
• transactive energy
• smart grid
• software development