Project Scope

Strategic and techno-economic advisory to develop a comprehensive grid development strategy supporting the integration of 50% renewable energy capacity by 2030.

The assignment addressed system-wide transformation requirements, including transmission reinforcement, smart-grid deployment, storage integration, sector coupling, investment planning, and associated regulatory adaptations. The objective was to define a cost-optimal and future-proof grid architecture capable of accommodating high shares of variable renewable energy (solar and wind).

Key Responsibilities & Achievements

1. Scenario Development & Data Structuring

• Developed detailed 2030 scenarios reflecting renewable expansion, demand evolution, and sector coupling impacts.
• Structured and validated technical and economic input data for system-wide modelling.

2. System Adequacy & Dispatch Optimization

• Performed system adequacy assessments under high-RES penetration scenarios.
• Conducted full-year dispatch optimization to capture operational constraints, congestion patterns, and reserve needs.
• Quantified the frequency and economic value of grid congestions to inform investment decisions.

3. Techno-Economic Grid Strategy Assessment

• Evaluated optimal transmission expansion pathways and target grid configurations.
• Compared traditional grid reinforcement with smart-grid (non-wires) alternatives using a structured cost-benefit framework.
• Assessed the role of energy storage technologies and flexibility solutions.
• Analyzed sector coupling opportunities, particularly load-shifting potential from the water sector (~15% of national electricity consumption), quantifying system-wide operational and investment benefits.
• Identified locational value of flexibility and congestion relief measures.

4. Investment Prioritization & Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Mapped dispatch optimization outputs to network nodes to determine critical reinforcement points.
• Conducted techno-economic feasibility analysis of alternative grid investment strategies.
• Consolidated findings into a structured cost-benefit assessment identifying priority grid investment candidates and regulatory implications.

Outcome

Delivered a robust, data-driven grid development roadmap balancing infrastructure expansion and smart-grid solutions. The project enabled identification of cost-optimal investment pathways, enhanced system flexibility through sector coupling, and supported the strategic integration of 50% renewable energy by 2030.