Page 42 - European Energy Innovation - Spring 2016 publication
P. 42
42 Spring 2016 European Energy Innovation
DSOs
DSOs to take on new roles in an
evolving energy market
By Hans ten Berge, Secretary-General, EURELECTRIC (pictured)
In the context of a rapidly evolving THE COMPLEXITY OF FUTURE complex network, allowing market
energy market, the coming years SYSTEM DEMANDS parties to enable customers to
will be crucial for Europe’s energy DSOs must continually adapt and optimise the way they use energy and
systems. Strict environmental extend their central role in facilitating benefit from it while keeping costs and
objectives aimed at reducing carbon an open and competitive market. complexity at acceptable levels.
emissions, increasing penetration of Being at the heart of the changes
decentralised distributed generation that are happening within their DATA MANAGEMENT HIGH ON THE
and the electrification of transport own networks and with a deep AGENDA
are bringing on a new energy reality. understanding of how their own A key part of the DSO’s role in
New industry players are emerging distribution systems work and operate, facilitating the energy market is data
and interacting with Distribution DSOs are in a position to act as management. The goal of any data
System Operators (DSOs), forcing neutral energy market facilitators and management system does not revolve
changes in the way they operate coordinators of all customers. In the only around ownership, but rather
and plan their networks. DSOs are future evolution of energy networks around correct and fair information
consequently moving away from their towards a smarter grid concept, DSOs sharing in an efficient, transparent,
role as passive network operators are responsible for guaranteeing non-discriminatory way. In order to
towards active system management of distribution system stability, power manage their networks in a more
the distribution grid. They are taking quality, technical efficiency and cost active way, policy makers need to
on a more active coordinating role in effectiveness through the intelligent clarify the DSO involvement in data
facilitating markets while continuing use of technology. management.
to provide a stable and high-quality
service to all customers in a smarter DSOs are key to upgrading and Clearly, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’
grids context. operating an increasingly more approach to data management.
Different data hubs, formats and
market models have been and are
being implemented in different
European Union Member States.
The evolution of technology and ICT
systems, alongside the deployment
of smart meter infrastructure, will
enable much better observability and
operability of the distribution grid,
thus speeding up the achievement of
smart grids.
As competition and choices
increase for the customer, new data
privacy challenges emerge. The
transformation will lead to a ramp-up
in information and data flows, leading
to the need for appropriate measures
to be established to guarantee
secure, neutral and efficient data
management.
A DSO-TSO BALANCING ACT
In contrast with the transmission
network, in which connected
customers and connection points
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