06-23-2023

The NZIA - A legal framework efficiently boosting Europe’s electricity grids?

For the 14th episode of the E.DSO Policy Podcast, we invited Maximo Miccinilli (FleishmanHillard) to debate the potential of the recently published Net-Zero Industry Act to keep European manufacturing capacities within our borders and eventually make the European Union a competitive player on the global stage.

While giving credit to the incredible work the European Commission has accomplished to come up with a framework proposal in the shortest possible time, the discussion highlights the limits of the NZIA compared to similar initiatives from other federal mega powers, such as the United States. One thing is clear: There is still a lot to be done, but the EU cannot wait to give our power system the right support if they do not want to be left behind in the clean tec race.

For more details tune in now!

The NZIA - A legal framework efficiently boosting Europe’s electricity grids?

04-25-2023

Simulating reality - DSOs and Digital Twins as Facilitators of Prosumer Integration and Accelerators of the Energy Transition

In the 13th episode of our policy podcast, we spoke with Laurent Schmitt - Head of Utilities & European Developments at dcbel; President of Digital4Grids, and Board Member of smarten - about how digitalisation and technological advances in Digital Twin technology will help to leapfrog DSO’s traditional asset management and allow them to address the forthcoming challenge of integrating raising numbers of Prosumers across Europe. While enabling a faster transition to an increasingly electrified system through the deployment of solarPVs, electric vehicles, heat pumps and battery storage in residential buildings, it also increases the complexity of coordination, operations and planning activities at distribution level.

Tune in and find out about the ways in which computed simulations of reality will help DSOs to live up to this major challenge.

Simulating reality - DSOs and Digital Twins as Facilitators of Prosumer Integration and Accelerators of the Energy Transition

04-25-2023

Simulating reality - DSOs and Digital Twins as Facilitators of Prosumer Integration and Accelerators of the Energy Transition

03-16-2023

Unleashing data-driven innovation & promoting the creation of an inclusive ecosystem of all stakeholders across the energy data value chain!

In October 2022, the European Commission launched the Digital Action Plan: An initiative developing a digital energy infrastructure & digital energy services, and ultimately, an efficient, competitive market. A central aspect of this plan is represented by the concept of Energy Data Spaces.

Together with Martine Gouriet (EDF & GAIA-X), this episode explores what exactly is behind this concept and how the future energy system, increasingly based on decentralised generation with ever new market players, will rely on data-driven energy spaces to manage the new complexity.

Unleashing data-driven innovation & promoting the creation of an inclusive ecosystem of all stakeholders across the energy data value chain!

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If you are interested in this topic, check out our position paper

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03-16-2023

Unleashing data-driven innovation & promoting the creation of an inclusive ecosystem of all stakeholders across the energy data value chain!

01-11-2023

E-mobility and DSOs - Electrifying European transport

The European Union set itself the goals of reducing CO2 emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels) and become carbon neutral by 2050. A significant part of the strategy is pushing for extensive electrification, also in the transport sector, which accounts for almost 20% of the overall CO2 emission of the Union.

Against this background, this episode is fully dedicated to the topic of Smart Charging Infrastructure, taking on the perspective of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and Charging Point Operators (CPOs) – Two major enablers of a successful green transition in this respect.

Together with Jan Kůla, Business Development Expert at ČEZ Distribuce and Aaron Fishbone, Director of Public Policy at GreenWay and Communication Chair at ChargeUp Europe, we discuss the impact of the upcoming mass penetration through Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the grid and look at the progress industry could make so far. Questions tackling the role of smart meters, flexibility requirements and other technical, regulatory, and sectoral challenges lead the compelling exchange. Tune in and learn more!

E-mobility and DSOs - Electrifying European transport

01-11-2023

E-mobility and DSOs - Electrifying European transport

12-02-2022

The 5th EU electricity market reform – A renewable attempt or a total revamp?

The tenth episode of our podcast is fully dedicated to the preeminent topic of the last month: The electricity market design and its functionality in the face of the current energy crisis. Our guest i ...

11-18-2022

Interoperability and distribution grids - a diamond in the rough

Here at E.DSO we consider interoperability as a key building block of digitalization in the energy sector and the green energy transition, especially when it comes to the ability of grid operators to ...

09-30-2022

Energy Storage and DSOs - A major game changer in the future of electricity grids

The future of our energy system lies in renewables whose growing use require a more reliable and resilient network. This is where energy storage will play a major role, providing flexibility and balan ...

05-16-2022

What is in a name? – (Climate) resilience for DSOs

There are many ways to define “resilience,” and many different risks and challenges through which grid operators must be resilient. The increasing threats of climate change are requiring DSO to make operational changes and investments to improve the resilience of the electric system. In this episode, Tzeni Varfi, Policy & Legal Director at E.DSO sat with Mark McGranaghan, Fellow at Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Sara Mullen-Trento, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI, and had a frank discussion about ways in which DSOs can develop when performing resilience planning. The exchange also shed light into possible opportunities in the planning process and benefits of DSOs’ proactive resilience planning and investments.

Above all, the hosts tried to foster a sense of confidence in their listeners to push against prevailing narratives of “doom and gloom” when considering resilience.

You can follow E.DSO Policy Podcast Series and listen to our monthly episodes on Spotify and ApplePodcasts!

What is in a name? – (Climate) resilience for DSOs

05-16-2022

What is in a name? – (Climate) resilience for DSOs

04-04-2022

Digitalisation of the distribution grids

Our fifth episode discusses digitalisation as a factor for system integration and decarbonisation of distribution grids. Prof. Antonello Monti, RWTH Aachen University and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, and our host, Dr. Phillip Lewis, VaasaETT and The Traxis Group, explain how a digitalised grid is an energy efficient grid which contributes to a cost-efficient transition. They also discuss how digitalisation of DSOs facilitates the integration of renewable energy and flexibility services.

If you are interested in this topic, cast a curious glance at E.DSO Response to the consultation for the European Commission’s Action Plan for Digitalisation of the Energy System.

You can follow E.DSO Policy Podcast Series and listen to our monthly episodes on Spotify and ApplePodcasts!

Digitalisation of the distribution grids

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If you are interested in this topic, check out our position paper

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You can always send feedback or ideas directly to the podcast team at
Tzeni.varfi@edsoforsmartgrids.eu

04-04-2022

Digitalisation of the distribution grids

03-14-2022

Alternative Fuels Infrastructure & DSOs

The Fit for 55 package contains an important proposal for the Deployment of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure. The new regulation aims at facilitating the uptake of electric mobility by setting mandato ...

01-28-2022

The Recast of the Renewable Energy Directive and DSOs

One important piece of legislation under the Fit for 55 Package is the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The Directive sets a comprehensive framework for the deployment of renewables across all sectors of the economy. More importantly, it provides a new EU target of a minimum 40 % share of RES in final energy consumption by 2030. In this episode, Tzeni Varfi, Policy & Legal Director at E.DSO joined by Santiago Gallego, Networks Regulation Manager at Iberdrola, discuss how RED is expected to play an important part in setting the scene for the integration of the EU energy system and what role is envisaged for Distribution System Operators (DSOs). If you are interested in this topic, cast a curious glance at our position paper on the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive, one of E.DSO’s position papers on the FitFor55 Package. You can follow E.DSO Policy Podcast Series and listen to our monthly episodes also on Spotify and ApplePodcasts! You can always send feedback or ideas directly to the podcast team at Dragomir.radoytsev[at]edsoforsmartgrids.eu or Tzeni.varfi[at]edsoforsmartgrids.eu

The Recast of the Renewable Energy Directive and DSOs

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If you are interested in this topic, check out our position paper

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Tzeni.varfi@edsoforsmartgrids.eu

01-28-2022

The Recast of the Renewable Energy Directive and DSOs

12-13-2021

DSOs as Facilitators of Energy Communities

The Clean Energy Package (CEP) represents a breakthrough in the active role of citizens in the energy transition. However, an adequate policy and regulatory framework are needed to ensure that both citizens and the whole energy system can benefit from the prospects that new technological developments bring. However, energy communities are not a merely technical issue and they create opportunities and challenges for the national grid and distribution system operators (DSOs) who have to balance supply and demand to make sure the lights stay on. In this month’s episode, E.DSO Policy Officer, Dragomir Radoytsev, joined by Daan Rutten, Policy Expert at Alliander, explain the role of DSOs as facilitators of energy communities, tackling the opportunities that communities and DSOs offer to each other. If you are interested in this topic, cast a curious glance at our position paper on DSOs as facilitators of energy communities for more information. You can follow us and listen to our monthly episodes also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! You can always send feedback or ideas directly to the podcast team at Dragomir.radoytsev[at]edsoforsmartgrids.eu or Tzeni.varfi[at]edsoforsmartgrids.eu

DSOs as Facilitators of Energy Communities

Useful links

If you are interested in this topic, check out our position paper

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You can always send feedback or ideas directly to the podcast team at
Tzeni.varfi@edsoforsmartgrids.eu

12-13-2021

DSOs as Facilitators of Energy Communities

11-10-2021

The Recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive for DSOs

We are launching E.DSO series: The Policy Podcast Series which features exciting interviews where our members and special guests exchange views on EU energy and climate policy and its relevance to DSOs. In the first episode our Policy Officer Dragomir Radoytsev talks with Tortsen Knop, European Regulation at E.ON and Vice-Chair of E.DSO’s Policy Committee, about the recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the way DSOs contribute to energy efficiency and the opportunities (or challenges) the new directive would pose. Check out E.DSO response to the Fit For 55 feedback consultation for more information. You can listen to our monthly episodes also on Spotify and ITunes.

The Recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive for DSOs

Useful links

If you are interested in this topic, check out our position paper

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You can always send feedback or ideas directly to the podcast team at
Tzeni.varfi@edsoforsmartgrids.eu

11-10-2021

The Recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive for DSOs

5G

Medium Impact by 2030

5G is the next generation wireless network technology. It will be faster and able to handle more connected devices than the existing 4G LTE network. Key benefits of 5G are Ultra low latency (~1ms vs 100ms for 4G), Speed (Higher than 1Gbps vs 100Mbps for 4G) and Connectivity (~1 000 000 devices / km2 vs 100 000 for 4G). These developments are accompanied by disruptive technological choices opening up new possibilities:

• New frequencies and smart antennas capable of managing energy in point-to-point mode between user and radio relay (beamforming)
• Virtualization technologies: distributed architecture allowing direct local processing of data for faster local actions (distributed intelligence)
• Network slicing : management of different classes and types of services according to user needs

Highlights

In 2022, all EU countries have now commercial 5G service available at least in a part of the country. Close to 256,074 5G base stations are now active in the EU and approximately 72% of EU’s population is covered by at least one 5G network.

Challenges and opportunities for DSOs

• Production and Demand forecast : AI combined with classical solutions may improve forecast quality.
• DER / Flexibility : allow to handle the increasing complexity of networks control due to DER variability.
• Network development studies : AI enable the realization of network development studies accounting for technical constraints, technological and sociological hypothesis.
• Asset management : AI performances in image processing allow automatic diagnosis to enhance programmed renovation. AI learning capacity allows, in some cases, to perform predictive maintenance.
• Operation and employee support : AI could augment capabilities of maintenance technicians, customer advisors and support function employees.
• Network control : AI could augment capabilities of control rooms (fault location, DER integration). AI solutions will enable precise LV massive control.
• Asset management: sensors connected in 5g to network assets could help monitoring health index for safety, preventive maintenance and prevent thefts. combined with drones, 5G could facilitate components diagnosis.
• Operation: 5G could facilate remote crew supervision support and supervision on field.

EDSO opinions and views

• European DSOs usually rely on telecom operators and do not operate wide private telecom network.
• 2G and 3G shutdown could lead to faster implementation by DSOs of 5G based solutions.
• The decision of DSOs to use 5G to control critical assets will depend on reiability and resilience guaranteed levels.
• Energy impact of 5G roll out has to be documented as DSOs try to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Specific attention to cybersecurity issues will be necessary given the fact that many patents on 5G are held by non-european players. Furthermore 5G cybersecurity needs some significant improvements: secured routing points, eal time cybersecurity adapted to 5G speed, unsecured connected assets.

Hydrogen

Medium Impact by 2030

Today, hydrogen is almost exclusively used in industry, especially the chemical industry, metallurgy and refining. It is currently 96% produced from fossil fuels. Recent technological advances have imporved the yields and reliability of water electrolysis processes. Hydrogen can thus be produced from decarbonized or renewable electricity. As a consequence, the significant role of the hydrogen sector in the decarbonization of part of economy throgh its chaining with the electricity sector leads DSOs to study the impact of the development and intergration of H2 technologies and systems (electrolysers, storage, fuel cells in particular) in the electricity system.

Highlights

To meed the full projected hydrogen demand in Europe by 2050 (2150-2750 TWH), it would take about 2900 - 3800 TWh of electricity. Despite announcements of gigawatts of electrolysers being installed over the next decade, operational electrolyser capacity is yet to reach 100 MW across Europe. 48% of European electrolyser capacity in Germany, no other country has more than 10 MW installed today. Around one third of the installed capacity is providing some form of ancillary service to the electricity system.

Challenges and DSOs

• Connection : How big will electrolysers be ? Will they be close to RES based production or uses?
• Electricity comsumption : What uses are likely to develop? What will be the impact on electricity consumtion?
• Flexibility / Storage : What flexibility services could be provided and under what conditions?
• Operations: Impact of H2 assets on networks operation and security?
• Sector coupling: Is H2 a momenttum to sccelerate sector coupling?
• Network planning: what will be the impact on the development of electricity networks? How will the current plans to reinforce the grid to integrate EVs (high-power charges) be affected by the penetration of hydrogen in mobility?
• Environment : It should also be noted that the development of heavy mobility and h2 mobile generator can contribute to the decarbonization of our DSOs activities.

EDSO opinions and views

• For heavy transport, H2 could be a solution to decarbonize as we do not know today which will be the winning option between H2 and batteries. For light vehicles, clear choice has already been made in favor of batteries.
• There is no common view on electrolysers location. Most of EDSO members expect electrolysers to be installed next to electrical production site (particularly renewables). However, Some of them expect electrolysers to be installed in next to uses to avoid H2 transport and distribution.
• Considering gas transport and distribution, repots show that H2 can be quite easily put in modern gas pipelines. It will be more complicated for old pipes but still feasible.
• There is a common view that changing home appliances would be a tremendous challenge.

MVDC and LVDC networks

Medium Impact by 2035

Although the transmission and distribution of electricity is almost exclusively carried out in alternating current (AC), certain trends call for a reconsideration of the interest of direct current (DC): (1) renewable energies (PV and wind) and batteries (in particular EV) operate natively in DC, and the acceleration of renewable energies reinforces this interest, (2) the proportion of energy consumed in DC in the home is high (50% in 2018) and growing sharply ( 80% by 2030) and (3) innovation and falling costs in power electronics are making the use of DC increasingly economical. The use of direct current could make it possible to limit conversions on the distribution network, be a source of simplification and improve the energy efficiency of the electrical system.

Highlights

DC solutions, in particular for the distribution network, are arising great interest, with numerous demonstrators around the world and, it seems, a proactive industrial policy in China.

Standardization of DC networks is of critical importance (even more for LVDC to enable development of appliances). The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have all started standardization work on MV and LV DC networks.

Challenges and opportunities for DSOs

• DC grids have several challenges to overcome : Protection systems and DC circuit breakers need further development.
• There is a genereal lack of standardization (especially in terms of voltage levels, ohter specifications, interoperability, commissioning procedures), and DC installation costs are currently hight due to the power converters that are required.
• Power converters are also still not as efficient as AC transforms and have a lower lifespan.
• Connection of wind or PV plants, storage units or charging stations : a DC connection could be a relevent solution from a technical-economic point of view...
• Microgirds : MVDC or LVDC or hybrid microgrids could develop
• Control of power flows : a DC line could make it possible to connect two areas by controlling the flows between them.

EDSO Considerations

• the DSOs should carry out the analyzes and implement the demonstrators necessary to identify the relevant use cases of the direct current links
• DSOs should master the technical and economic aspects of DC networks but also the regulatory aspects
• DSOs should mobilize to play an active role in the development of standards for DC distribution networks
• To ensure safety of operations (power protection and control,...) experience need to be gained via some pilot projects.

Robotics

Medium Impact by 2030

Robotics is used in multiple fields (industrial, agricultural, domestic, scientific, educational, medical, military, leisure, service, transport robotics, etc.). It is a science of technological integration at the crossroads of mechanics, electronics, computer science and networks, in particular communication. The desire to relocate production to Western countries and the aging of the population are drivers of the revival of robotics. Especially since the key technologies of robotics are experiencing spectacular advances: the rise of artificial intelligence, sophistication of sensors, improved battery efficiency, loT, 5G, etc.

Highlights

• The global industrial Robots Market was valued USD 45.1 Billion in 2021 and is all set to surpass USD 89.4 Billion by 2028. CHina has been the leading country in the industrial robot market for serveral years, with a revenue of more than 12 billion USD, accounting for 38% of the market share globally.
• Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, and yashakawa are the four major suppliers in the market, accounting for around 56% of the global market share.
• On the proposal of the chinese national committee, which will act as its secretariat, the IEC created a new technical committee on robotic systems for the electrical industry, including distribution networks.

Challenges and opportunities for DSOs

• Industrial robots are able to operate in high-rist environments (live work), support heavy loads, perform arduous tasks and be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Driven by an operator or autonomous and capable of adapting to their environment, they should enable DSOs to imporove health, safety and productivity.
• To date, robots are generally used in controlled and restricted areas. DSOs operation field are various and usually not completely controlled. Under these circumstances adaptation and security are major challenges.

EDSO Considerations

• DSOs must indentify tasks that can be robotized in their businesses in order to test available solutions, develop new ones and assess the associated gains and performance.
• Main usages for distribution networks could potentially be in tems of maintenance and inspection related.

Artificial Intelligence

Medium Impact by 2030

Artificial Intelligence is used in multiple fields (industrial, agricultural, domestic, scientific, educational, medical, military, leisure, service, transport robotics, etc.). It is a science of technological integration at the crossroads of mechanics, electronics, computer science and networks, in particular communication. The desire to relocate production to Western countries and the aging of the population are drivers of the revival of robotics. Especially since the key technologies of robotics are experiencing spectacular advances: the rise of artificial intelligence, sophistication of sensors, improved battery efficiency, loT, 5G, etc.

Highlights

• The global industrial Robots Market was valued USD 45.1 Billion in 2021 and is all set to surpass USD 89.4 Billion by 2028. CHina has been the leading country in the industrial robot market for serveral years, with a revenue of more than 12 billion USD, accounting for 38% of the market share globally.
• Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, and yashakawa are the four major suppliers in the market, accounting for around 56% of the global market share.
• On the proposal of the chinese national committee, which will act as its secretariat, the IEC created a new technical committee on robotic systems for the electrical industry, including distribution networks.

Challenges and opportunities for DSOs

• Industrial robots are able to operate in high-rist environments (live work), support heavy loads, perform arduous tasks and be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Driven by an operator or autonomous and capable of adapting to their environment, they should enable DSOs to imporove health, safety and productivity.
• To date, robots are generally used in controlled and restricted areas. DSOs operation field are various and usually not completely controlled. Under these circumstances adaptation and security are major challenges.

EDSO Considerations

• DSOs must indentify tasks that can be robotized in their businesses in order to test available solutions, develop new ones and assess the associated gains and performance.
• Main usages for distribution networks could potentially be in tems of maintenance and inspection related.