Integrated MV-LV Network Studies to Assess Electrification Impacts

Project Completed

Our Final Report: WP 1.5 Integrated MV-LV Network Studies to Assess Electrification Impacts

Enhanced System Planning (ESP) is a major research project led by C4NET aimed at informing sub-transmission level electricity planning beyond 2030. It brings together Victorian Universities and distribution companies (known in Australia as Distribution Network System Providers [DNSPs]) in a unique collaboration to update the modelling of infrastructure utilisation. The project outcomes will support the entire energy sector and help achieve an intelligent, optimised transition to renewable electricity and a clean energy system. The models and datasets produced will be transferable to industry through deep engagement with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Victorian DNSPs.

Summary

This project is an element of Work Package 1 "Whole-Distribution Electrification Impact Assessment and Mitigation Options" of C4NET’s Enhanced System Planning (ESP) collaborative research project.

It will model integrated demand profiles due to the electrification of heating and transport and will investigate the corresponding impacts on MV-LV networks (simultaneously considering 22kV feeders down to 230V single-phase customers). The network analysis will involve detailed time-series three-phase power flows using different scenarios to capture the different DER technologies and uptakes as well as different types of distribution networks considered within the ESP.

This 1-year project (Feb 2024 to Feb 2025) is funded by the Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET) and involves the Australian distribution companies AusNet Services, CitiPower & Powercor, and United Energy.