The generation, transmission, and distribution sectors seek a constant synergy and efficiency in their operation to improve the reliability and power quality delivered to customers. As a result of the increase of environmental, social, and economic awareness, the electric sector has been modernized and diversified, creating new opportunities that demand continuous studies.

The Grid Edge term is used to describe technologies, such as smart meters, electric vehicles, photovoltaic generators etc., applications, functionalities, and business models that integrate customers into the modern distribution systems. In this context, to fulfill future expectations and needs, the distribution utilities must seek solutions within the Grid Edge environment, focusing on the 3D concept (decentralization, decarbonization, and digitalization). 

The capacity of data storage and processing is gradually changing in computational systems. Many companies are investing in this sector, especially in data analytics and big data. In the big data perspective, not only an appropriate data storage structure, but also the ability to extract useful information from this data, i.e., data analytics, is required for each application, making processes more efficient and reliable. 

The global need for renewable energy increases gradually. Consequently, economic incentives were created worldwide, boosting the deployment of distributed generation and promoting the modernization of distribution power systems. In this context, methodologies and new models of distributed energy resources must become more precise to provide accurate results and useful solutions for different problems in the electric sector.

The increase of intermittent and non-dispatchable renewable resources in the world electricity mix causes new challenges in the electric sector. In this context, energy storage systems have gained attention worldwide as a flexible solution for these resources. Thus, the deployment of energy storage systems has the potential to increase, demanding studies to determine the risks and opportunities associated with this technology.

The world debate on climate change combined with the price volatility of fossil fuels have incited this centenary discussion, and, in response, investments of automobile manufacturers in electric vehicles have rapidly increased. Technological developments, price reductions, and government incentives are expected to continue supporting the growth over the coming decades, for instance, by banning or restricting the sales of combustion engine vehicles.