Flexibility: bridging the gap between planning and market

The planning and operation of the distribution grid have been challenged by the high proliferation of distributed generation and the emergence of loads with new consumption dynamics. Nevertheless, these changes were accompanied by a massive deployment of metering infrastructure allowing an in-depth knowledge of load dynamics. Building on these developments, Portuguese Distribution System Operators (DSOs) has been challenged to provide alternatives to reinforcement investment consisting of market-based flexibility services. Since then, E-REDES has developed an effort, along with other stakeholders, to incorporate these alternatives into grid planning and operation and promote the development of this new market. This new paradigm involved the development of the current grid analysis tool –DPlan– to provide the flexibility service requirements for a particular grid congestion. The methodology to assess investment projects also evolved to evaluate the potential of flexibility services as a viable alternative to investment. Finally, a pilot project – FIRMe – was launched to develop internal knowledge on the subject, allowing define priorities for grid flexibility as an alternative to the investment.