EURO 2025 Leeds
Abstract Submission

2168. A reproducible method to determine network integration costs of decentralised energy technologies

Invited abstract in session MD-44: Decentralized energy system integration modelling, stream Energy Economics & Management.

Monday, 14:30-16:00
Room: Newlyn 1.01

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Sammit Vartak
ETH Zurich
2. Wendy Paola Reyes Calle
ETH Zurich
3. Russell McKenna
ETH Zürich

Abstract

Decentralised energy technologies (DETs) such as solar PV plants, heat pumps, and electric vehicles are deployed locally within electricity distribution networks with limited hosting capacity. Deploying DETs beyond this capacity leads to operational challenges and necessitates network reinforcement, imposing significant additional costs. A major challenge in analysing hosting capacity and reinforcement requirements is the lack of public distribution network data. Previous studies have relied on proprietary data, limiting reproducibility, while geo-referenced synthetic networks, though useful, remain computationally expensive. To address this, we develop typological distribution networks using clustering based on open-source urban morphological data, ensuring reproducibility. Using these networks, we analyse the stochastic deployment of DETs at various capacities and locations. Initial results for a Swiss case study show lower reinforcement requirements for PV but higher for heat pumps, with rural networks having lower hosting capacity than urban ones. Simultaneous deployment increases hosting capacity and creates synergy effects. Combined with regression analysis on reinforcement cost, these results provide the network reinforcement cost per additional kW of DET deployment above hosting capacity. The findings can inform DET deployment policies, help prioritise grid reinforcement, and be directly integrated into energy system models for more accurate decentralised planning.

Keywords

Status: accepted


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