ISGAN Policy Brief on Long-Term Planning of Smart Distribution Grids

To spotlight the importance of low- and medium-voltage grids and their key role in clean energy transitions, ISGAN is publishing a new Policy Brief on Long-Term Planning and Implementation of Smart Distribution Grids.

Thousands of distribution grids worldwide are in urgent need of modernization to accommodate growing shares of renewable energy sources (RES) and changing patterns of generation and consumption.

However, the much needed investments are hampered by the growing complexity and multiple uncertainties facing key actor groups with responsibilities for grid development and operation.

As a major milestone, policymakers have a key role to play by creating favorable framework conditions for agile and forward-looking planning processes, thus de-risking and accelerating investments.

The Policy Brief argues for increased policy attention towards low- and medium-voltage grids and their key role in clean energy transitions.

ISGAN also encourages changing the planning practices of Distribution System Operators/ Utilities: from reactive to forward-looking, adaptive and collaborative long-term planning, to better handle new complex realities.

This Policy Brief is a key deliverable of the ISGAN Lighthouse Project on Smart Distribution Grids.