2026 Cigré Canada

ETLab is contributing to research on flexibility management in modern power systems through the scientific paper “Sensitivity-Driven Flexibility Provision in Active Distribution Networks with TSO–DSO Coordination”, authored by Nasim Eslaminia, Alberto Vannoni, Alessandro Bosisio, Sina Ghaemi and Amjad Anvari-Moghaddam. The work addresses a key challenge in the energy transition: how to identify and activate the most effective flexibility resources within distribution networks to support transmission system operation.

As the integration of renewable energy sources, distributed generation and flexible demand continues to increase, coordination between Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) is becoming increasingly important. Flexibility available at the distribution level can help mitigate transmission congestion, but its effectiveness depends not only on the amount of available capacity, but also on the location of each resource and its influence on power exchanges between the two network levels.

The methodology combines time-series power flow analysis, sensitivity assessment, flexibility capability modelling and optimal power flow (OPF) verification. By integrating these elements, the framework connects the detection of transmission congestion with the identification and activation of suitable flexibility resources in the underlying distribution network.

The proposed approach is evaluated using a coupled CIGRE high-voltage–medium-voltage (HV–MV) benchmark system. The results demonstrate that the location and sensitivity of flexibility resources are essential factors in determining their effectiveness. In particular, a resource with substantial available flexibility may provide limited support to the transmission network if its impact on the relevant power exchange is small.

The research is aligned with the themes of the CIGRE Energy Forum 2026, held from 21 to 24 September 2026 at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary, Canada, under the theme “Grid Modernization: Enabling Large Loads, Advanced Storage, and Smart Technologies for a Secure and Resilient Energy Future.” The forum brings together researchers, system operators, manufacturers and other energy-sector professionals to exchange knowledge on the development of secure, resilient and modern electricity networks.

Through this research, ETLab contributes to the advancement of active distribution networks, flexibility management, smart grids and TSO–DSO coordination. These topics are central to enabling the integration of renewable energy, improving the utilization of existing network infrastructure and supporting the reliable and efficient operation of increasingly interconnected power systems.

ETLab acknowledges all the authors and collaborators involved in this research. The work highlights the importance of combining rigorous power system analysis with coordinated network operation to unlock the potential of distributed flexibility and contribute to a more sustainable, resilient and efficient energy system.

Paper: Sensitivity-Driven Flexibility Provision in Active Distribution Networks with TSO–DSO Coordination

Authors: Nasim Eslaminia, Alberto Vannoni, Alessandro Bosisio, Sina Ghaemi and Amjad Anvari-Moghaddam.

Event: CIGRE Energy Forum 2026, Calgary, Canada, 21–24 September 2026.