Abstract: During the last ten years planning for grid expansion has developed considerably in Europe. The development has been driven by the changes in the ownership of the power sector due to liberalisation of the sector, but also driven by the rapid introduction of renewable energy technology as a new and important source for power in the future. The new grid planning process has successfully addressed some of the major challenges regarding grid expansion in Europe, while others still are unsolved and even more challenging today than years ago. It is obvious that China and Europe in many ways face the same types of challenges and a strengthened cooperation on these issues would benefit both sides.

Key words: electricity grid planning, integration of renewable energy, network development plan, energy scenario study