**Preface to "Energy Management Systems for Optimal Operation of Electrical Micro/Nanogrids"**

Energy management systems (EMSs) have been introduced in electrical power systems to perform optimized operations of the electrical grid infrastructure and to provide support to the grid operator in terms of optimized decisions. In electrical micro/nanogrids, the development of EMSs is crucial to correctly handle the uncertainties and intermittency of renewables. In addition, through their key functions (monitoring, control, optimization of flows, and use of electrical power), EMSs allow customers to play an active role in the energy market. The EMSs proposed so far were not conceived with respect to fostering their widespread and rapid adoption. For this to occur, several issues remain to be tackled: EMSs should be seamlessly integrated with the ecosystem of micro/nano grid components, including renewable generators, electrical storage systems (ESSs) and electrical loads; EMSs should interfere as little as possible with the comfort and habits of electricity market customers. In addition, the energy management algorithms should simultaneously provide advantages for both the end-user and the grid operator. On account of the previous considerations, this Special Issue collected papers addressing the development of EMSs specifically intended for the optimal operation of electrical micro/nanogrids and covering the following topics: optimization of electrical power flows in micro/nanogrids, EMSs for smart buildings, EMSs using vehicle integration in the microgrid, ESS modeling issues, forecasting for EMSs, and optimal use of ESSs in a microgrid.

> **Maria Carmela Di Piazza** *Editor*
