This Summary Report summarizes key issues and results achieved in 2017 by the A.4 project (“Evolution and Development of Distribution Grids“).

In recent years, there has been an increasing penetration of distributed generation (DG), especially non-programmable renewable sources (NPRS), coupled with the growth of some technologies replacing other sources (e.g. electric vehicles, heat pumps). This requires an evolution of the function of the distribution network, which becomes a ‘facilitator’ of new market mechanisms, while continuing to ensure system resilience, continuity and quality of supply. There is also agreement on the hypothesis of extending market participation for ancillary services to non-programmable renewable generation and DG, and eventually to loads and storage. However, the roles of the different actors and the interactions between them remain to be defined, in particular how the distribution system operator (DSO) will be able to reconcile the (global) provision of services by the GD with the (local) requirements for quality of supply. In addition, the significant increase in the penetration of renewable energy sources (RES), often through small-scale generators connected to the distribution grid, is likely to increase the operational difficulties of the electricity system.

The research activities of the project “Evolution and Development of Distribution Grids” also focused on these issues under the 2017 Annual Implementation Plan, in continuity with the previous two years of the three-year research period 2015-2017.

In particular, the development of the tool for analyzing the performance of distribution grid control strategies (SARA) through specific indicators was completed, studies were carried out to evaluate hosting capacity and, with the contribution of the related EU project SmartNet, different market scenarios up to 2030 were categorized for the participation of DER in ancillary services.

Other activities included testing the functionality of the co-simulation platform developed in the previous two years. The research activity launched in the previous AIP to evaluate the possibilities offered by the innovative use of small and very small hydroelectric pumping stations in urban areas and with less impact on the territory, as an alternative to the permanent or temporary installation of batteries, continued in the current year. In particular, the technological and economic aspects were studied.