As the share of variable RES increases, major challenges arise for both transmission and distribution networks and their optimal development and operation in the near future. As a matter of fact, renewables already represent a major challenge in some European countries and regions. The majority of these new generators, both in number and capacity, are due to be connected to distribution networks in the coming years.
As highlighted in the EURELECTRIC Renewable Energy Action Plan, obstacles for grid infrastructure should be removed to achieve the 2020 20% RES target. In addition, flexibility on both the demand and the supply side are among the solutions that should be promoted through a consistent policy framework. As a consequence, the role of DSOs shall evolve towards more active management of their networks.
In the context of discussions on the upcoming European Commission's RES Strategy for 2030 and the proposal of energy infrastructure regulation, this DSO conference, organized with the support of ENTSO-E, was dedicated to the following topics:
- RES Integration in transmission & distribution grids
- Implications for TSO-DSO interface
- Efficient infrastructure investment
The following high level speakers joined the afternoon programme on behalf of EURELECTRIC:
- Michèle BELLON, Chair of EURELECTRIC's DSO Directors' Gathering & CEO of ERDF
- Eric LANDECK, Chairman of EURELECTRIC DSO Coordination for Smart Grid Deployment & Managing Director, Vattenfall Europe Distribution Berlin