Introduction: WS7 of the Smart Grid Forum, through its Steering Group "WS7 SG" for this study, wishes to undertake more detailed electrical power system analysis (using nodal network models) of the electricity system of 2030, with particular focus on the distribution networks, their design and, critically, their operation.

Essentially, this WS7 study is addressing the modelling compromises that are inherent in Transform’s parametric network modelling approach. Transform’s parametric representation of typical distribution networks are to be converted into nodal models in order to explore, through appropriate network studies, how the Transform solutions ‘work’ and what currently unforeseen challenges might emerge.

Objectives:

A key aim is to establish whether the roles and responsibilities of the parties that own, operate and interface with the electricity supply chain need to change and how.

Expected Benefits: The study outputs are likely to have several components. Firstly, there will be a set of generic nodal distribution network models that have been demonstrated to be technically viable to meet the needs of 2030 users. Secondly, there will be a report highlighting the specific methods/solutions that have been used to ensure the technical viability of these networks. This may suggest that early attention should be applied (e.g. specific demonstration projects during ED1) to particular methods/solutions to ensure that they can be successfully deployed when needed. Thirdly, the roles and responsibilities of a DNO in 2030 in terms of supporting whole system optimisation will be described and contrasted with the position today. Again, this would be expected to lead to specific pieces of further development work through ED1.