Policy Brief on Long-Term Planning and Implementation of Smart Distribution Grids

Thousands of distribution grids worldwide are in urgent need of modernization to accommodate growing shares of renewable energy sources (RES) and changing patterns of generation and consumption. However, the much needed investments are hampered by the growing complexity and multiple uncertainties facing key actor groups with responsibilities for grid development and operation. As a major milestone, policymakers have a key role to play by creating favorable framework conditions for agile and forward-looking planning processes, thus de-risking and accelerating investments. The Policy Brief argues for increased policy attention towards low- and medium-voltage grids and their key role in clean energy transitions. ISGAN also encourages changing the planning practices of Distribution System Operators/ Utilities: from reactive to forward-looking, adaptive and collaborative long-term planning, to better handle new complex realities. This Policy Brief is a key deliverable of the ISGAN Lighthouse Project on Smart Distribution Grids. This publication was prepared for the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) by its members. 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.