Abstract: The problems of resources and environment bring an urgent necessary for the transformation and upgrading of energy production, transmission and utilization, which can be effectively solved through development of the smart grid. In this paper, the relationship among the smart grid, smart energy and energy internet is discussed firstly. The new situation under the development of the energy and electric power industry is analyzed in depth. It is concluded that the smart grid is the essential path for the development of energy and electric power industry. Then, the general architecture of the smart grid development is proposed from 9 aspects in terms of production, transmission, distribution, utilization, etc. The importance and significance of the smart grid are expounded in promoting energy transformation, constructing smart city, industrial upgrading and other aspects. In summary, it is helpful for the sustainable development of energy, and the healthy and rapid development of social economy to keep development of smart grid as core task and fully play its fundamental role in construction of smart energy and smart city construction.

Key words: smart grid, smart energy, energy internet, architecture system