What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore viable technologies for enhancing the capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems in light of changing energy demands.

April 16, 2026Open Access

Smarter & Stronger Power Transmission: Review of feasible technologies for enhanced capacity and flexibility

Key Points

To explore viable technologies for enhancing the capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems in light of changing energy demands.
Review of existing and emerging technologies for power transmission and distribution
Analysis of AC and DC technology applications for high voltage transmission
Examination of information and communication technology (ICT) standards for interoperability
Evaluation of recent developments in wide area monitoring, protection, and control
Identified key technologies such as FACTS and HVDC that enhance power transmission capabilities
Recommended standardization in ICT for vendor independence
Discussed the need for smarter systems to accommodate fluctuating power demands, particularly from electric vehicles.

Abstract

Changing patterns of demand that new types of load such as electric vehicles (EV) will introduce large and unpredictable fluctuations in the power balance as well as variations in voltage can jeopardize the quality and availability of power. The T&D system has to be stronger and smarter to provide the real-time flexibility needed to efficiently handle the new conditions. Investment needs in the power T&D infrastructure are large and require long term planning and deployment. The environmental concerns and public acceptance issues that often arise when constructing additional conventional transmission lines will require more efficient solutions with lower environmental impact. This Discussion Paper from ISGAN Annex 6 Power Transmission & Distribution Systems Task 3 and 4 focuses on “Smarter & Stronger Power Transmission” and is a review of feasible technologies for enhanced transmission capacity and flexibility in terms of status and deployment. This includes both the primary AC and DC technology for the high voltage transmission grid as well as the information and communication technology (ICT) required to efficiently supervise and operate the power system. Focus is on the development of power electronics including flexible AC transmission (FACTS) and high voltage DC (HVDC), the standardization within ICT such as IEC 61850 and Common Information Model (CIM) in order to obtain vendor independent interoperability as well as the progress of wide area monitoring, protection and control (WAMPAC). The combination of smarter ICT applications together with power electronics such as FACTS and HVDC can be described as a digitalization of the power system operation offering the required flexibility. Most of the examples given are from the Nordic European power system, reflecting the participation of the authors from ISGAN Annex 6 Task 3 and 4, with additional input from North America and selected International case studies.

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