Harnessing Demand-Side Flexibility in Light of Future Energy Scenarios in Distribution Networks

Demand response (DR) has been considered an effective and promising way to improve the operational performance of future distribution networks (DNs), characterised by high penetration of distributed generation and significantly increased electricity demand due to the rapid electrification in transportation and heating sectors. This paper identifies the challenges of future DN s from the aspects of steady state voltage performance and line (cable) overloading and assesses the extent to which DR can mitigate these. In order to perform realistic assessments, the studies are conducted on a modified UK 295-bus Generic Distribution Network (GDN), including comprehensive load models, following the latest Future Energy Scenarios (FES) published by the transmission system operator in the UK, National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO). The results have shown that DR can be an effective means for voltage regulation in future DN s, but also a potential source of congestion due to the energy payback.