This report outlines the methodology developed to define the current scenario of the electricity distribution system in Italy. This scenario will be used in the upcoming research activities of the project to assess the impacts on distribution networks resulting from the evolution of distributed generation and the electrification of end uses. At the same time, possible alternatives for controlling distributed resources will also be evaluated, in order to assess the consequences in terms of network development costs.

To address the lack of public databases on distribution grids, the GeneRA module (Artificial Network Generation) of the SARA platform (Active Network Analysis Tool) was used to create representative artificial networks. The SARA platform, developed by RSE, contains algorithms and software within a single simulation environment to simulate and analyze distribution networks. Specifically, the GeneRA module is responsible for generating artificial distribution networks based on real networks with similar characteristics. For the artificially generated networks to truly represent the intended condition, the input parameters for the GeneRA module must be derived from the analysis of real networks. Therefore, part of the work focused on analyzing all available literature data that describes the electrical characteristics of distribution networks in Italy and the users connected to them (loads and generators). The artificial networks generated were then analyzed, and the results were compared with some studies in the literature that describe certain characteristics of Italian distribution networks (e.g., Hosting Capacity and losses).

The comparison showed that the artificially created networks, albeit with some margin of approximation, have characteristics similar to real networks and can thus be considered representative of the current structure of Italy’s electricity distribution system.

Analyses of the characteristics of electrical networks, particularly based on the historical data series on network extension, also allowed the development of simplified methodologies for assessing the impacts on distribution networks caused by the increase in distributed generation.