DSO TSO coordination needs induced by smart grids: the ongoing French project between RTE and Enedis

Abstract

The integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) is impacting the global electrical System behavior (HV and MV networks) by adding more variability and introducing bidirectional power flow, potentially triggering new technical constraints (voltage rise or drop, thermal constraints in lines and transformers,…). Meanwhile, these changes also bring out new opportunities for players to offer flexibility services by managing a diverse portfolio of usages and equipments. Theses evolutions are politically driven at the French level by the "Energy Transition Law" and handled at the European level by the "Network Codes". In this context, French TSO and DSO (namely RTE and Enedis) are facing new specific constraints impacting voltage and reactive power transit, forcing them to launch coordination initiatives to strengthen their network operations at the various stages of networks life cycle (from network planning to network Operation and maintenance). This paper describes the specific initiatives rolled out since 2014 in the frame of Operation and Control coordination between RTE and Enedis in both Operational Planning and Real time. The ongoing studies scrutinize on one hand the operational planning detailed coordination needs and subsequent data exchanges starting at the works planning phase 2-1 years in advance continuing with anticipated operational constraints exchanges 1-2 months in advance (anticipated transit limitation on RTE networks side; or specific needs on Enedis side so as to allow generation power flow), pursuing with Work Access management (to adress common works security) and consequences, finishing with day-1 and intra-day necessary operational planning exchanges for anticipated network operation. This paper presents the status of ongoing studies in this frame and presents the different implementation orientations to date.

Enhancing transmission and distribution system coordination and control in GB using power services from DERs

“…frequency, balancing and constraint management services) from distribution assets [4], the actual implementation of coordinated voltage control services from DER remains mostly an unexplored area. It is to be noted the efforts by the French TSO [6] and the Swiss TSO [7] on the context of transmission–distribution voltage support. These support schemes rely, respectively, on the use of distribution compensation assets and on the establishment of requirements immediately at the distribution–transmission interface.…”