Primary substation planning based on network spatial analysis

The expected context of growing dynamism and significant changes in electricity demand is leading DSOs to engage in more precise planning activities to better allocate future investments. In France, the knowledge held by the DSO Enedis is valuable to framing the subject of planning primary substations. Guided by long-term geographical power forecasts, a methodology based on network spatial analysis is developed. The goal is to perform planning studies that provide a long-term overview of the electrical distribution network infrastructure, automate the loading estimation of primary substations within a defined geographical area, and simplify the investigation of the electrical network's sensitivity to various long-term power forecasts. The methodology proposal is organised into two phases, where distinct analyses are conducted regarding the interaction between grid users and primary substations. This evaluation is contingent upon the specific electrical infrastructures examined – either primary substations or individual connections per grid user. The methodology described in this article yielded satisfactory results as a first step in the collaborative efforts of EDF R&D and Enedis regarding primary substation planning based on network spatial analysis.