Key Findings of a Study into the Development of Future GB Distribution Systems Integrating Low Carbon Technologies and Smart Solutions

This paper summarises the findings from a detailed, large-scale technical study into the development of electrical power distribution systems in Great Britain (GB) until 2030, which is being undertaken on behalf of all the electricity network companies in GB. This whole-system study aimed to characterise future network operation and explore network planning under different energy scenarios for the uptake of low carbon technologies (LCTs), such as solar photovoltaic generation and electric vehicles, and with the deployment of a variety of smart network solutions, such as energy storage and demand side response. The outputs of the study inform a number of Key Issues that are relevant for the industry in GB and internationally, covering operational, planning, commercial and regulatory aspects.
In addition to detailing the results of the study, the paper provides background information and the motivations behind the project, as well as describing the study methodology and detailing important elements of the approach.
Further detail on all aspects of the project can be obtained from the project website [1], including the network models used in the project.