Fundamental research challenges for active management of distribution networks with high levels of renewable generation

This paper is concerned with critically evaluating existing and emerging active management concepts and defining the contributions that ongoing and future research activities can bring in supporting the implementation of active management in distribution networks. These aims are achieved by defining and then extrapolating from current understanding of active network management. The key contributions from completed and ongoing projects in the field are clearly presented. In addition, the gap is assessed between what is achievable with existing and emerging active management solutions and what is required from active management if renewable energy targets are to be met within the current grid capability. Several specific recommendations are made in the paper that have relevance to power utilities, generators, plant manufacturers, network planners and monitoring and control equipment providers. These recommendations will facilitate concept validation and the implementation of future active management schemes.