Overview

The main objective of Working Group 6 is to establish long-term visions for the development of the future sustainable power systems. To create and project such visions, WG6 clarifies system-related challenges, with emphasis on the technologies, market solutions, and policies which contribute to the development of system solutions.

WG6 facilitates knowledge sharing related to the application of advanced technologies for power grids and their contributions to clean energy, climate goals, and sustainable energy access for all. WG6’s results are disseminated at different strategic levels. Some recent, impactful publications include “Flexibility for Resilience—Policy Message,” (2023), “Reimagining Grid Planning Processes for an Accelerated Transition” (2023), “Flexibility harvesting and its impact on stakeholder interaction” (2023), “Modeling Storage for Markets” (2021). The work is carried out by a global network including researchers from universities and institutes, system operators, and policy experts.

WG6 maintains a critical view on evolutions for smarter, cleaner power transmission and distribution systems based on four Focus Areas. While WG6’s annual Program of Work includes more defined activities and tasks, the Focus Areas below illustrate and support the continuity and long-term plans of the Working Group.

Focus Area 1: Expansion Planning and Market Analysis

Lead: Gianluigi Migliavacca (RSE)

Examines the function of electricity markets (day-ahead and real-time) and analyzes the evolution of the transmission and distribution networks and their planning modalities.

Focus Area 2: Technology Trends and Deployment

Lead: Emil Hillberg (RISE)

Identifies the potential and feasibility of innovative solutions that support grid operation and capacity. Also makes recommendations and supports the demonstration, promotion, and deployment of new promising technologies worldwide.

Focus Area 3: System Operation and Security

Lead: Irina Oleinikova (NTNU)

Assesses available methods and tools for operational monitoring and control. Also identifies the need for new tools and methods to manage future challenges in balancing control.

Focus Area 4: Transmission and Distribution System Interaction

Lead: Barbara Herndler (AIT)

Studies on how distribution and transmission networks could interact in the future, ensuring stable grid operation under high levels of renewables

Results are disseminated at different strategic levels.

All published documents from Working Group 6 are found here: