Keeping abreast of the renewable energy shift

As renewable energy gains a greater share in the energy mix and demand becomes increasingly proactive, power systems and their mode of operation need to evolve. This new energy reality will force DSOs to take on new roles.

Based on different possible future scenarios, the EU-funded project EVOLVDSO (Development of methodologies and tools for new and evolving DSO roles for efficient DRES integration in distribution networks) will define the future roles of DSOs. It will also develop new tools and methods to efficiently fulfil their emerging roles. Many aspects of DSO activities will be embraced, such as planning, operational scheduling, real-time operations and maintenance.

Certain methods and tools will be validated by computer simulations and real-life demonstration for their ability to deployed, scaled and replicated.

The project has initially defined a set of possible future scenarios and analysed the current regulatory and market environments that DSOs are operating in. Covering seven European countries, the analysis has shown that DSOs need to change the way they manage grids, interact with transmission system operators and access potential resources.

According to EVOLVDSO findings, DSOs need to implement active distribution system management and market neutral approaches to manage the complexity of future system demands. The team identified eight potential roles that DSOs can take on to improve current activities and services.

EVOLVDSO is contributing to the transition to a more sustainable energy system by maintaining and increasing the security and reliability of European distribution grids. Project findings can drive implementation of the European Electricity Grid Initiative (EEGI) roadmap, ultimately providing a significant impetus for reaching EU climate targets.