Methodology, results and key success factors of Smart grid assessment in France

摘要

Smart grid is a key element of the power systems modernization strategy. The harmonization of methods and assumptions in economic assessment of smart grids and a collaborative, well-structured action involving all stakeholders are crucial to meeting the smart grid transition challenges. The French power community has developed and implemented a methodology for evaluating the economic, environmental and social relevance of the smart grid for a national power system. In economic terms, this approach addresses smart grid costs and benefits for the entire value chain of the power system (generation, transmission, distribution, supply). Furthermore, the methodology analyses how the smart grid lifecycle (mining of the raw material, manufacturing, transport, use and end-oflife) impacts the environment. Finally, this approach quantifies the net effect of smart grids on long-term employment. This methodology is used within demonstration projects. Several smart grid demonstration projects are currently under way, assessing the smart grid benefits for distribution grid operators (DSO). The demonstrators' feedback is expected to identify useful smart grid advanced functions on the distribution level. The application of the methodology in ex-ante analysis has identified the most promising smart grid advanced functions in the French power system context, considering benefits for power generation and transmission. These functions include renewable energy sources flexibility, industrial demand response and information services (distributed RES generation observability, dynamic line rating and automatic fault location on transmission lines). Other advanced functions, such as demand-side response in the residential or tertiary sector, could potentially provide benefits for society only under specific assumptions. Further research is needed to deepen the analysis and to integrate the constraints and benefits of the distribution networks into the ex-ante study.