ISGAN Knowledge Hub
on Long-term Planning and Implementation of Smart Distribution Grids
This is a knowledge resource developed by ISGAN to support actors involved in the complex endeavour of distribution grid modernization, to enable the realization of the global policy goals of tripling of renewable energy and significantly enhanced energy efficiency by 2030.
The Knowledge Hub focuses on the process of long-term planning and implementation of distribution grids in the context of high system complexity and multi-dimensional uncertainties. It provides a systematic framework for actors to improve understanding and enhance collaboration on collective challenges.
Overview
Distribution Grid Modernization – a collective endeavour
Long-term planning and implementation of smart distribution grids involves a large number of actors with complementary roles and responsibilities. It can be viewed as a complex system with multiple actor interdependencies and context-specific factors that influence how the grid evolves over time.
The actor landscape is very diverse and grid development requires a wide range of competences. At a high level, we can distinguish on the one hand between policy makers at various levels who have an important responsibility to provide the enabling preconditions for grid modernization generally at country or regional level, and grid planners and operators on the other hand, who are involved in the concrete development of specific distribution grids at local and regional level. The resources in the ISGAN Knowledge Hub is currently organized according to this high-level differentiation between policy makers and grid planners.
To take a closer look at the actor roles involved in distribution grid planning and implementation, see HERE
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ISGAN Knowledge Hub
What forms of strategic intelligence are essential for making informed decisions and deploying effective steering mechanisms in distribution grid planning? How can they be realised and what are the related challenges? And what specific knowledge is necessary to conduct thorough needs assessments?
Foresight and Strategic Intelligence play crucial roles in long-term planning of future resilient distribution grids, particularly in uncertain and complex environments like those involved in energy transition and climate change. This phase is critical for ensuring that strategic decisions are based on robust and actionable information, even if accurate predictions of future requirements of grid planning cannot be made.
By systematically incorporating foresight and strategic intelligence, grid planners and the other actor groups can ensure that decisions made today will be resilient, forward-looking, and adaptable to future challenges and opportunities.
The aim is to reach a comprehensive understanding of needs and challenges for future resilient distribution grids and to identify viable pathways.
As groundwork for optimal strategic decision-making, foresight explores potential scenarios and identifies potential futures, allowing decision makers to prepare for a range of options.
Strategic intelligence provides the concrete data and analysis needed to navigate these futures effectively, analyzing trends and drivers about societal, technological, economic, ecological and political context conditions. Key Activities: Data Collection and Analysis: Collect data on future energy trends, demographic changes, and emerging technologies. Scenario Planning: Explore potential scenarios and develop multiple future pathways to anticipate different outcomes and challenges. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with experts, governments, and other stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives. Outcome: A strategic foresight report that guides decision-making and planning processes.
