Summary
As distribution networks transition to active systems, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) require advanced planning tools to delay or avoid costly infrastructure investments by procuring operational flexibility from controllable loads or generators. This paper proposes a modular framework for multi-year distribution network planning, developed and enhanced within the context of the SYNERGIES, OPENTUNITY, and ODEON Horizon Europe projects. The methodology integrates an efficient Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) optimization engine with high-performance computing modules, including a Fixed-Point Iteration (FPI) power flow engine, pre-trained AI analytics for forecasting, and Dynamic Time Warping
Read more Read less(DTW) for scenario clustering. To address the limitations of traditional planning algorithms, which are based on limited network observability and lack of controllable devices, this framework is integrated with proper Energy Data Space (EDS) implementations that guarantee large and secure data exchanges between DSOs, Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and
Aggregators. EDSs also provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to process and refine these data. Moreover, the modular design of the proposed planning framework can incorporate Large
Language Models (LLM)-based forecasting and distribution network reconfiguration, as feasible but promising extensions. Results from diverse pilot sites in Greece, Spain, and
Denmark demonstrate that the suggested methodology achieves significant cost reductions, successfully defers expensive grid upgrades through strategic flexibility procurement, and maximizes Renewable Energy Sources (RES) hosting capacity. Simulations confirm that a flexibility rate of 10%-20% can effectively mitigate network stress and reduce total expenditures compared to traditional worst-case planning approaches.
Additional informations
| Publication type | Session Materials |
|---|---|
| Reference | C1_12582_2026 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| Country | Greece |
| Study committees | |
| File size | 730 KB |
| Price for non member | 30 € |
| Price for member | 30 € |
Authors
DIMEAS Aris - National Technical University of Athens Greece; LAGOS Athanasios-Rafail - National Technical University of Athens Greece; LAGOS Dimitrios - National Technical University of Athens Greece; SYRRI Angeliki Lydia Antonia - National Technical University of Athens Greece; GATOS Andreas - National Technical University of Athens Greece; KARAKITSIOS John - National Technical University of Athens Greece; KARRAS Savvas - National Technical University of Athens Greece; SYMPONI Maria - Hellenic Distribution System Operator Greece; SELIMIS Dimitrios - Hellenic Distribution System Operator Greece; KOUTSOUPIDOU Maria - Hellenic Distribution System Operator Greece; BOGLOU Vassileios - Hellenic Distribution System Operator Greece; LAZARIDOU Georgia Eirini - Hellenic Distribution System Operator Greece; VASILEIOU Thomas - Hellenic Distribution System Operator Greece
