Grid planning case study in the EU project FlexPlan considering a region in the Norwegian power grid
Challenge and objective
The goal of the EU project FlexPlan was to develop methodology and tools for grid planning taking into account flexibility resources as a supplement to traditional grid reinforcement/expansion. One hypothesis is that using flexibility reduces the need for grid investments.
Work performed
Development of planning model and data set in the FlexPlan project (in-kind).
Development of case in collaboration with BKK.
Significant results
Application of optimization of long-term grid planning decisions (grid expansion and/or use flexibility) for transmission grid and regional distribution grid in the BKK area.
Impact for distribution system innovation
The role of flexibility is case dependent.
Flexibility can be a supplement – and not necessarily an alternative – to grid investments.
Flexibility has limited value in deferring/avoiding grid investments given sustained high load growth.
Flexibility has limited value for grid areas dominated by industry with flat and inflexible load profiles.
