Distribution automation: The cornerstone for smart grid development strategy

This article provides an overview of the EDF R&D ldquoDistribution 2015rdquo program activities supporting the development and implementation of a Smart Grid vision in the French electricity market context. More precisely, this document describe the ongoing activities to develop advanced control functions for ERDF's (EDF subsidiary for the French distribution system management) system control such as automatic synthesis of alarms, fault location and network reconfiguration. It also emphasizes the central role of distribution automation to enable interoperability and develop synergies among other distribution projects in the Smart Grid scope such as Advanced Meter Management or integration of distributed energy sources.