Analysis of the options to reduce the integration costs of renewable generation in the distribution networks. Part 1: impact of PV development in france and global analysis of considered alternatives to reinforcement

Abstract

This two-part article deals with the latest results of a joint research effort by ERDF and EDF R&D to assess the cost of DG/RES integration and study innovative solutions that may help to reduce it. This paper ("Part 1") analyses the connection costs of RES in France on 2012-2020 and 2012-2030 scenarios, as well as the global savings that could be made possible by some new RES integration solutions. The companion paper ("Part 2") focuses on an innovative planning tool under development that allows searching the best option on a case-by-case basis.

Analysis of the options to reduce the integration costs of renewable generation in the distribution networks. Part 2: A step towards advanced connection studies taking into account the alternatives to grid reinforcement

“…The final result of this case study is presented in Figure 8. The orders of magnitude regarding grid reinforcement -up to 400-450 k€/MWare rather consistent with those calculated by ERDF in the companion paper [1] for MV generation in unfavourable areas. Above 2 MWp, a dedicated feeder of more than 10 km must be put in place.…”

“…However, it should be kept in mind that this study does not take into account the possible aggregation of DESS benefits (see [2]). Between 1.1 MWp and 2.5 MWp, curtailment seems to be a promising solution to extend the hosting capacity of the grid in this case study -which, again, is not representative of the average costs presented in [1], presumably because of the long and weak feeder considered in this paper-. Above 2.5 MWp, we consider that curtailment is no longer viable due to excessive marginal loss of energy.…”

“…The attractiveness of the alternatives to grid reinforcement can vary from these results: ref. [1] states that curtailment can decrease the connection costs of PV by 30 % on average. Our main conclusion is that a tool such as the one described herein is needed to realize advanced grid connection studies on a case-by-case basis.…”

“…Our main conclusion is that a tool such as the one described herein is needed to realize advanced grid connection studies on a case-by-case basis. In addition, as discussed in [1], regulatory changes are required.…”

“…Grid connection studies allow DSO to quantify these effects and, whenever necessary to prevent current and/or voltage limit violations, the grid is upgraded to accommodate new generators. Grid reinforcement takes time and has a cost for the collectivity: for instance, the study presented in the companion paper [1] shows that each additional MW of RES in France has an average cost between 100 k€/MW (wind) and 300 k€/MW (PV). Moreover, the situation will worsen in the years to come since the favourable cases -i.e.…”