The electricity system is transforming due to renewable energy integration, decentralized generation, and digitalization. The traditional unidirectional grid is evolving into a dynamic, bidirectional system with distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar, wind, EVs, and storage. This shift, along with electrification and decarbonization goals, requires enhanced coordination to maintain reliability and efficiency. By gathering experience and insights gained from global pilot projects in the field of providing flexibility for coordinated capacity management of transmission and distribution system operators, a holistic overview of the ongoing developments in the integration of flexibility can be presented. The overall study highlights that improved TSO-DSO-stakeholder coordination significantly enhances grid stability and efficiency. Key findings include the need for: Enhanced TSO-DSO coordination Investment in advanced grid technologies Improved market mechanisms for flexibility Clear regulatory frameworks Stakeholder engagement Continuous knowledge exchange This publication was prepared for the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) by its Working Group 6. ISGAN is organized as the Implementing Agreement for a Co-operative Programme on Smart Grids (ISGAN) and operates under a framework created by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The views, findings and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of any of ISGAN’s participants, any of their sponsoring governments or organizations, the IEA Secretariat, or any of its member countries.
Herndler et al. (Mon,) studied this question.