Firstly

the development history of power grid dispatching automation systems in China is reviewed. The architecture of smart grid dispatching and control systems is described. Then the main technical breakthroughs of smart grid dispatching and control systems are summarized

including improvement of the observability and controllability of ultra large power grids

the coordinated ability of control centers

the early warning ability of on-line dynamic security of ultra large power grids

the economic operation efficiency of ultra large power grids

the ability for power grids to accommodate new energy generation

and the ability of the control centers of power grids to withstand major natural calamities and group cyber-attacks. Finally

further research areas of smart grid dispatching and control systems are outlined.