INTEGRATED ICT TOOLS TO SUPPORT FLEXIBILITY MANAGEMENT IN FUTURE DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

Novel distribution-level flexibility market architectures require new interactions between distribution system operators (DSOs) and other market participants. Integrated ICT tools are proposed to support the exchange of information and innovative services that support the operation of the electricity network in a context of high penetration of intermittent renewable energy supply. This paper discusses ICT tools designed to assist network operators, flexibility suppliers and market operators, and make the flexibility markets both efficient and attractive. These tools utilise innovative models and algorithms to facilitate network-aware flexibility market clearing, while giving DSOs intelligent prognosis for improved grid operation and investment planning. These functionalities provide value to DSOs that can be exploited in today's electricity system landscape, while the value propositions delivered by the ICT services can increase significantly as flexibility markets mature and are deployed in wide-scale commercial operations. A stepwise deployment of these ICT tools can be a strategic way to capture this value while building a sustainable business model for market actors and technology providers alike.