Integrating distributed energy resources in electricity distribution systems: An explorative study of challenges facing DSOs in Sweden

Distribution system operators (DSOs) face challenges integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) into their grid network. This article presents an exploratory study of Swedish DSOs and their actions and capabilities to manage DER integration. The study is based on information from a combination...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Utilities policy 2020-12, Vol.67, p.101117, Article 101117
Main Authors: Johansson, Petter, Vendel, Martin, Nuur, Cali
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Distributed energy resources
DSOs
Electricity distribution grids
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Summary:Distribution system operators (DSOs) face challenges integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) into their grid network. This article presents an exploratory study of Swedish DSOs and their actions and capabilities to manage DER integration. The study is based on information from a combination of secondary data, interviews, and surveys. The findings include the current most pressing challenges for Swedish DSOs, different DSO responses to ongoing change, and differences in DSO capabilities to manage increasing shares of DERs. Both regulatory and organizational barriers for DSOs to integrate DERs into distribution grids are identified and discussed. •DSOs face organizational and regulatory barriers to integrate DERs.•Varying context create varying conditions for DSOs to manage DER integration.•Current regulatory regimes risk limiting ‘whole system’ solutions to DERs.•There are different pathways for DER integration that can be pursued simultaneously.
ISSN:0957-1787
1878-4356
1878-4356
DOI:10.1016/j.jup.2020.101117