A DSO Support Framework for Assessment of Future-Readiness of Distribution Systems: Technical, Market, and Policy Perspectives

Abstract

This paper proposes a framework to support the distribution system operators for assessing current status of network infrastructures, market/business models, and policies applicable to distribution systems, and thus identify future-readiness of their network. The assessment framework consists of two steps as the identification of the key indicators associated with this transition and assessing the current status by evaluation of these indicators based on inputs from distribution system operators. Case studies have been carried out for distribution system operators in three European countries, i.e., Göteborg Energi (Sweden), SOREA (France), and ENEXIS (The Netherlands). The key results have shown that presently the three distribution system operators have a small proportion of renewable power generation in their grids, but it is going to increase in the future. Hence, they need investments in flexibilities, generation and load forecasting, advanced network control, and protection strategies, etc. The results also suggest needs for development of novel business models for customers and changes in the policy and regulations. Finally, a comparative assessment of three distribution system operators is presented in the paper.