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TH2. Quantifying the impact of Microgrids on investment and replacement strategies future EU electricity infrastructure

EU transmission and distribution networks were significantly expanded in late 50s and early 60s and the assets then installed are approaching end their useful life and will need to be replaced. Micro generation integrated in the form of Microgrids will play a key role in reducing the expenditure associated with alternative network replacement strategies.
Furthermore, in this task will assess the ability of various small-scale distributed generation technologies, integrated in the form of microgids, to provide ancillary services traditionally provided by conventional generation. The benefits of microgrids providing flexibility and controllability necessary for maintaining secure operation of the system (e.g. load following and frequency control) will be quantified and the corresponding requirements identified. As a result of this work, alternative Network replacement scenarios will be developed depending on the scenarios of the Microgrid evolution and the qualified impacts of the Microgrids on the replacement requirements

Manchester will develop a general tool for quantifying the capacities of transmission and distribution network assets that can be displaced by Microgrids. This tool will be based on detailed load flow and voltage profile calculations necessary to analyse the effects of widespread Microgrids on the network assets that were design in top-down hierarchical structure. The developed tool will be flexible enough to enable sensitivity studies to be carried out to examine the impact of a number of key factors on the overall benefits of microgrids, including micro generation technology, level of penetration, level of integration of micro generation within Microgrids, seasonal operating patterns, correlation with demand while taking into account network design approaches.
Manchester, Siemens and ICCS/NTUA will study the possibilities of Microgrids to delay generation expansions in case of demand growth and will analyse corresponding capital savings. This will also include an evaluation of cost of communication, information and control infrastructure required to support effective operation of microgrids. ARMINES will work on the analysis of the benefits that energy storage will bring to Microgrids that are dominated by intermittent generation in order to "firm up" this generation and enable it to more effectively contribute to the displacement of distribution and transmission network assets. INESC will be focusing on the application of multicriteria analysis for the evaluation of benefits of Microgrids and on quantifying the savings in reducing the investment in MV and LV of specific networks in which load growth is expected. Continuon, MVV, ELTRA, EDP, LRPD and CESI will be involved in the development of the modelling assumptions and take part in model validation and definition of case studies to be carried out.