Flexibility platform and the associated role of future DSO within IElectrix SHAKTI pilot project

Abstract

Energy decentralisation is encouraged through customer empowerment within the formation of energy communities. The key enabling role of the distribution system operator (DSO) to support energy communities is however hampered by a lack of low-voltage grid digitisation and flexibility. The H2020 IElectrix project (2019–2022), co-funded by the European Commission, is devoted to solving this issue. Five DSOs (E.DIS, Enedis, Energie Güssing, E.ON EED, and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited) have joined with innovative solution providers and research centres, to demonstrate the combined roles of distribution grid innovations in different regulatory systems (Austria, Germany, Hungary, and India). This study focuses on innovative solutions for the Indian system, with a power sector sustenance majorly dependent on the cash flow coming from its distribution sector. Nevertheless, this is the weakest link of the power sector and faces major challenges such as the increase in the power purchase cost, high Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses, lack of cost-reflective tariffs and the energy transition. With the government's impetus towards promoting clean energy and the intermittent nature of renewables and the variability of charging electric vehicles, this requires real-time demand–supply management and network flexibility. The Indian SHAKTI pilot, located in Delhi, aims to demonstrate relevant technologies involving prosumer support.