Fast network developments using innovative grid technologies

RES capacity expected to increase by 113% across the EU by 2040, whilst intermittent RES capacity increase could be up to 187% in certain countries; creating a clear argument for urgent action to increase available grid capacity, with networks already significantly curtailed. The paper explores how Innovative Grid Technologies (hereafter IGTs) quickly increase network capacity to the required level at lowest cost, avoiding curtailment and future-proofing the network. IGT’s are widely implemented in TSOs network, but less so with DSOs so far. All IGTs are fast and fall into three timescales: > 1 year: Digital Twins, Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), Inertia Measurement, DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management Solutions) 1-2 years: IGTs such as Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC). 2-5 years: Advanced Conductors deliver up to 2X grid capacity, all at high TRL and widely adopted by TSOs. Ultimately, emerging Superconductor technology serves to further enhance transmission efficiency and significantly future proof the network. This paper also addresses regulatory incentives and perceived technical barriers, identifying specific steps permitting DSOs to serially implement IGTs across DSO network.