Innovative Smart Grid Solutions for Network Planning and Access

Abstract

Smart Grids are the cornerstone for Distribution System Operators transformation. Having new solutions to deal with historical and future problems is key to ensure a smooth transition to an advanced power system that not only integrate a large share of renewables and distributed energy resources (e.g. storage, electrical vehicles), but also requires efficient operation, better planning and exceptional customer service. EDP Distribuição is at the forefront of this transformation, as it is developing Inovgrid, a smart grid project in Évora city (Portugal), where a smart grid infrastructure was deployed, and new data is now available to incorporate in planning and access tools and procedures, hence contributing to a Smarter Grid. This paper discusses the results that EDP Distribuição has attained so far in these areas of the smart grid development, as well as the projected evolution of these innovative approaches to the future of the distribution grid, which are being developed in European projects like SuSTAINABLE (www.sustainableproject.eu).