Context
A small local electricity distribution company in Western Europe is facing a surge in photovoltaic projects on its network, alongside the emergence of energy programming laws setting ambitious national targets for distributed generation development. The distribution network operator isn’t familiar with studying this type of connection and is concerned about the technical consequences for its network related to the expansion of distributed generation.
Problem Statement
In this context of rapid photovoltaic development, the distribution network operator wants to assess its medium-voltage network’s hosting capacities and anticipate future reinforcement needs. Although it has mapping data, it doesn’t possess an electrical model of its network. This model therefore needed to be developed as part of the project.
Furthermore, the DNO wants to compare the network’s hosting capacities with the photovoltaic potential of existing building rooftops in its territory. This requires, firstly, creating a solar cadaster and, secondly, developing a methodology to jointly analyze this solar cadaster and the network’s capacities.
Achievements
- Network modeling based on geo-schematic data.
- Calculation of current Medium Voltage network hosting capacities and development of a methodology for comparison with the territory’s solar potential.
- Determination of constraints limiting the integration of photovoltaic potential based on different rooftop solarization scenarios.
- Evaluation of reinforcements needed each year according to the connection pace of new PV installations.
- Delivery of results in the form of a technical report and a cartographic database containing the spatialized simulation results.
Impact
The project enabled the DNO to:
- Precisely assess the hosting capacities of its current medium voltage network in the face of rapid photovoltaic expansion.
- Gain a long-term vision of the nature and location of future network reinforcement needs across several prospective scenarios, allowing it to anticipate its investment requirements.
- Obtain factual elements to support its positions in discussions with users and other territorial energy planning stakeholders (local authorities, developers, etc.).
- Position itself as an enabler of the energy transition, capable of supporting the development of renewable energies while ensuring the robustness of its network.
