Implications of optimization strategies on expansion planning in medium- and low-voltage networks

In light of the politically enforced increase of distributed generation units based on renewable energies, network operators have to apply proactive network planning actions to guarantee a technically secure and reliable operation of the network. In addition to the conventional network expansion, network operators can utilize innovative equipment as well as apply restriction of the peak power feed-in of renewable power generation units to secure a proper network operation. Methods of proactive expansion planning usually identify expansion measures with maximum cost efficiency. This approach implies an optimal regulation framework, which provides ideal incentives for cost-minimal network expansion. In practice, imperfections of the regulation are existent, which may influence the optimal type and realization time of network expansion measures. This research project is aimed to analyse, if and to what extent the regulatory framework affects the investment conditions for network investments. Exemplary results will be presented for the German regulation framework.