The formulation of a cohesive, yet solvable optimization program for transmission expansion planning of extended systems is engaging many researchers. Related approaches and achievements are often presented by means of a transmission network model with a single snapshot of generation and demand. Moreover the use of proprietary network data leads to difficulties when benchmarking the different existing approaches and thus identifying possible departures to advance. Derived from the IEEE 118 bus network this paper provides a modified network model in accordance with European standards. Four distinct scenarios are developed defining different mixes of conventional and renewable generation facilities as well as the load. Based on intermitted generation and load time series an appropriate economic dispatch in hourly resolution for a whole year for the conventional generators is calculated. Fulfilled by a set of network expansion options the benchmark case including all data is made publicly available.Index Terms--Power system planning, Power system economics, RES integration, hybrid AC/DC Systems I.

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The establishment of a pan-European overlay grid is often seen as promising option to efficiently transmit electricity from centralized renewable energy sources (RES) to Europe's load centers. One important question concerns the operation of such an overlay grid under consideration of the underlying transmission system. This paper studies the effects of the inclusion and coordinated control of active devices as a measure to increase the overall network benefit with respect to the integra- tion of RES. A method is presented which integrates the different degrees of freedom of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS), high voltage DC converters (HVDC) and other active power flow-controlling devices into power flow studies. The method is applied to a model of the existing European transmission system including a case study of an overlay grid structure.The impact of technological choices (AC or DC) and the level of controllability on generation costs and CO 2 emissions are investigated.