Framework and methodology for active distribution grid planning in Norway

Abstract

The long-term planning frameworks currently used by electricity distribution grid companies are not designed to account for new challenges such as variable distributed generation or for new opportunities of active grid measures. Various advanced optimization methods for active grid measures are presented in the research literature, but they are rarely used in practice and are not always well suited to informing decision processes in distribution grid planning. To bridge this gap, this paper presents a framework for active distribution grid planning that takes as a starting point the traditional planning framework commonly used by Norwegian grid companies. The framework with selected, probabilistic methodologies is demonstrated through a case study considering voltage problems due to distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation, and battery energy storage systems and PV curtailment as active measures to defer grid reinforcement. The paper moreover discusses how probabilistic approaches can contribute to better informed distribution grid planning decisions.