“Smart” grids are generally presented as “the” technological solution to meet the challenge of a sustainable energy transition. The aim of this article is to understand the current process of transformation of electrical systems in Europe and to examine the mechanisms at work that contribute to making Smart grids a central, if not vital, element of this transformation. More precisely, starting from a Technological Innovation Systems approach, we show that, far from being limited to facilitating the market coordination of actors, the European Union has a role of systemic coordination promoting research and development, deployment, and generalization of Smart technologies. JEL Codes: O38, Q48