The new demand and key technologies faced by automatic generation control (AGC) are analyzed and envisioned for the smart grid dispatching and control systems. The implications of AGC control modes

performance standards and control strategies are analyzed and their relevant changes in the background of ultra-high voltage grid

integrated dispatching mode and renewable energy integration are discussed. Following an overall summary and consideration of the technical practices in the field of intelligent dispatching in AGC

a new control architecture and technologies are proposed to adapt to the changes. Finally

the technical problems of AGC in meeting the demands of the prospective “North China-Central China-East China” synchronous grid are discussed.