Energy Management Strategies for Active Distribution Networks and Microgrids – A Comprehensive Survey

Rising carbon emissions and disruptions in fossil fuel supply chains have accelerated the shift toward cleaner, energy-efficient transportation. Electric vehicles play a crucial role by reducing transport sector emissions and supporting renewable integration through their bidirectional energy storage: absorbing surplus grid power and supplying energy during shortages. Simultaneously, the growing penetration of distributed energy resources has driven the development of active distribution networks and microgrids to enhance system efficiency and resilience. Effective energy management is essential to unlock their full potential and ensure seamless integration of distributed sources and flexible loads. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of energy management strategies for active distribution networks and microgrids, covering both established and emerging approaches. It introduces a unified comparative framework encompassing management architectures, strategy classifications (rule-based, optimization-based, learning-based, and blockchain-based), key operational features (multi-energy systems, demand response, game theory, and uncertainty modeling), and diverse application contexts. By mapping recent developments across these dimensions, the review identifies research gaps, integration challenges, and future opportunities. It offers actionable insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to develop scalable, intelligent, and interoperable energy management systems.