Challenges Ahead in Transmission Network Expansion Planning in The Presence of Renewable Energy Sources; An Updated Review

The significance of transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) in a restructured power ‎system is underscored by the urgent need to integrate renewable energy sources. As the world ‎shifts towards sustainability, effective transmission planning becomes critical for accommodating ‎diverse energy sources, particularly wind and solar, which are frequently situated far from ‎consumption centers. This integration is not only essential for achieving sustainability goals and ‎reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply. ‎Moreover, strategic transmission planning plays a vital role in minimizing congestion within the ‎network, which can escalate costs and compromise reliability. By anticipating future demand and ‎generation patterns especially the intermittent nature of renewables planners can optimize the ‎placement of transmission lines and substations to mitigate potential bottlenecks. In a competitive ‎market, a resilient transmission infrastructure is crucial for providing equitable access to all ‎market participants, thereby fostering innovation and competition. Additionally, effective ‎planning must address regulatory requirements and stakeholder interests, promoting transparency ‎and collaboration among various entities in the power sector. This comprehensive approach not ‎only ensures compliance but also builds public trust in the energy system. In summary, developing ‎an efficient transmission network is imperative for supporting a reliable, competitive, and ‎sustainable power system that prioritizes renewable energy sources. This paper aims to provide an ‎overview of the challenges ahead in TNEP while proposing necessary solutions to effectively ‎address these challenges‎.‎