The development of smart substations in China and Europe is analyzed based on survey and discussion by the workshop of “Substations of the Future” organized by the R&D Nester belonging to the State Grid Corporation of China and REN of Portugal. Firstly

the background is described; secondly

the definition of smart substation is presented

thirdly

the drive of development

the philosophy of smart substation

the benefit of smart substation

the focus and potential problems of development and construction of smart substation are discussed in detail. Then

the state of art and next step work of smart substation between China and Europe are presented. Finally

relevant suggestions for follow-up development of smart substations in China are made by referring to the concept of expansion of smart substations in Europe. This work is supported by State Grid Corporation of China and R&D Nester (Centro de Investigacao em Energia REN-SGCC

SA).