Development of Flexible and Distributed Energy Resources Control Technology to Mitigate Congestion in Power Systems (FLEX DER project)

There is a need for technological development to maximize the utilization of existing power grids while reinforcing the grid to achieve "utilization of renewable energy as the major power source", which was indicated at the "Sixth Strategic Energy Plan", Japan’s energy policy. To achieve this, it is necessary to actively control distributed energy resources (DERs)^*1, alleviate grid congestion, and promote the expansion of utilizing renewable energy (RE).
In this project, NEDO aims to develop technologies for DER flexibility systems^*2, which will serve as the core platform, connecting aggregators^*3 and distribution system operators so they can monitor grid congestion as well as the operational status of DERs in the distribution network and control DERs.

FLEX DER: Development of Flexible and Distributed Energy Resources Control Technology to Mitigate Congestion in Power Systems

It is aimed to mitigate congestion in distribution systems caused by RE by monitoring the operational status of DERs and controlling them to shift demand, without resorting to curtailment of RE output. Therefore, NEDO aims to compile the specifications for the DER flexibility systems to imply it, and demonstrations will be conducted through the system. In this project, standard operational flows and communication specifications will also be established.

• 
  Image of Application

PL:ISHII Hideo (Secretary General, Research Institute for Advanced Network Technology, Waseda University)
SPL: BABA Jumpei (Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences Department of Advanced Energy, The University of Tokyo)