CIGRÉ 2026

ETLAB researchers participated in CIGRÉ 2026, where Davide Castiglioni presented the team’s scientific contribution within the C6 session on Active Distribution Systems and Distributed Energy Resources, one of the key topics addressing the evolution of modern power systems.

The paper explores how coordinated operation between Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) can unlock the flexibility provided by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to support secure, reliable and efficient power system operation. As the energy transition leads to an increasing integration of distributed generation and other flexible resources, effective coordination between transmission and distribution networks is becoming increasingly important.

The proposed methodology estimates the aggregated active and reactive power flexibility available downstream of HV/MV substations while limiting the need to exchange sensitive distribution network data. This approach supports more effective TSO–DSO coordination while taking into account the operational and data-management requirements of modern electricity networks.

The methodology was tested using real data from the Milan area and considers both current network conditions and future development scenarios. The study evaluates the flexibility potentially available from different distributed energy resources and investigates how this flexibility can be made accessible to support the operation of the wider power system.

The results highlight the potential of DER-based flexibility, including photovoltaic generation, combined heat and power (CHP) units, hydropower and other distributed resources, to help address transmission network constraints, support voltage and power-flow management, and strengthen coordination between TSOs and DSOs during the energy transition.

The work was developed through the collaboration of researchers and experts from the University of Pavia, Unareti and Terna, highlighting the importance of cooperation between academia and industry in addressing the technical and operational challenges associated with the transformation of modern power systems.

The participation in CIGRÉ 2026 represented an important opportunity to share the results of the research with the international power systems community and to engage with researchers, utilities and industry professionals working on the future development of transmission and distribution networks. The event provided a valuable platform for discussing emerging solutions for flexibility management, distributed energy resources and the coordinated operation of increasingly interconnected power systems.

ETLAB congratulates Davide Castiglioni for representing the team and presenting the work at this important international forum, and thanks all the authors and collaborators involved in the research. ETLAB’s participation in CIGRÉ 2026 further confirms the laboratory’s commitment to research and innovation in the fields of power systems, active distribution networks, distributed energy resources, flexibility and smart grids, contributing to the development of increasingly sustainable, resilient and efficient energy systems.

Location

France

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