Assessing Vulnerability and Mitigating Risks in Distribution Networks With High Penetration of Renewable Energy

ABSTRACT Renewable energy (RE)‐based distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicles (EVs), play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, their increasing integration in distribution grids introduces new operational challenges and heightens system vulnerability. In this paper, the effects of high DER penetration on the vulnerability of low‐voltage (LV) distribution systems are assessed by analysing voltage variations and associated costs. The analysis examines the techno‐economic vulnerabilities arising from DER penetration and evaluates possible mitigation measures, including PV curtailment, the use of smart inverters for reactive power supply, and the appropriate sizing and positioning of battery storage systems at both household and community levels. A justification of mitigation measures is provided through a comprehensive analysis of their benefits and a techno‐economic assessment to estimate cost‐effectiveness. Finally, a real‐world LV distribution network in Victoria, Australia, is used to assess essential system characteristics and operational risks, such as voltage, intermittency, dynamic load profiles and so on. The results demonstrate that community‐scale battery energy storage systems are the most viable solution for mitigating the technical vulnerabilities imposed on distribution networks by high DER penetration. Moreover, they are found to be approximately 52% more cost‐effective than individual household battery installations.