DER hosting capacity for distribution networks: definitions, attributes, use-cases and challenges

The rapid adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) has outpaced grid modernization, leading to capacity limitations that challenge their further integration. Hosting Capacity Assessment (HCA) is a critical tool for evaluating how much DER capacity a grid can handle without breaching operational limits. HCA serves multiple goals: enabling higher DER penetration, accelerating grid connection times, guiding infrastructure upgrades or flexible resource deployment, and ensuring equitable policies. Due to varying modelling approaches, uncertainty considerations, and objectives, HCA lacks a universal definition. This paper addresses five key questions to standardize HCA practices and applications. First, it classifies HCA objectives associated with stakeholders such as system operators, market operators and consumers. Second, it examines model attributes, including modelling sophistication, data requirements, and uncertainty handling, thus balancing complexity with computational efficiency. Third, it explores HCA applications, such as planning grid investments or operational decisions, and summarizes use cases associated with HCA. Fourth, it emphasizes the need for periodic updates to reflect dynamic grid conditions, evolving technologies, and new DER installations. Finally, this work identifies challenges, such as ensuring data quality, managing computational demands, and aligning short and long-term goals. By addressing these aspects, this paper provides a structured approach to perform and apply HCA, offering insights for engineers, planners, and policymakers to manage DER integration effectively.