reGon Analysis of local and regional energy grids in the context of the integrated European energy system
As renewable generation capacity expands and more energy sectors become electrified, the electrical grid is facing new challenges. Fluctuating renewable energy supply and shifting demand patterns caused by sector coupling are changing the way the grid operates. At the same time, integrating non-electric sectors like gas, heat, and e-mobility opens up new opportunities for flexibility. Stakeholders like grid operators, policymakers, and plant and asset operators need to better understand both the impact of sector coupling on the grid and the emerging benefits of flexibility options in order to make informed decisions throughout the energy transformation.
Therefore, we developed a comprehensive suite of open-source and open-data tools for modeling and planning electrical grids across all grid levels through the projects eGon and open_eGo. The project reGon aims to bring those developments into real-world practice. In collaboration with a range of practical partners, we're applying our software to five different use cases and actively fostering exchange between stakeholders within our network.
Our tasks
Advancing Our Tools
We continue to refine our tools by further integrating flexibility options and emerging electrical demands. Our focus is on modeling the physical interactions between different grid levels, as well as the coordination between transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs).Refining Our Tools in Practice
We improve the usability of our tools by both adapting them to the specific needs of five different use cases, such as cross-level flexibility utilization and operational strategies in the medium- and low-voltage grids, and applying them to analyze these cases in detail.Broadening Applications and Building Networks
In addition to our five use cases, we identify further potential applications for our tools and actively promote their use. To support this, we are building a network of stakeholders involved in the energy transition, including grid operators, utilities, and other relevant actors.Simplifying Access to Our Results
We aim to make our project results easily accessible. This includes both the tools and the resulting data. To achieve this, we create tutorials and test them in collaboration with our practice partners. In addition, we are updating the Webapp developed in our previous project eGon to reflect the latest developments.Previous Projects
Our previous projects open_eGo and eGon form the foundation for the current project reGon. In open_eGo, we developed a grid planning tool that covers all grid levels, from the transmission grid to low-voltage distribution grids, and enables the analysis of grid expansion scenarios, including flexibility options such as battery storage and redispatch. In the follow-up project eGon, the toolbox was extended to include the sectors heat, gas, and e-mobility, making cross-sectoral energy system analysis possible. The projects were funded under the Funding Initiative "Optimization of Power Supply Systems" and 7th Energy Research Programme by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, respectively.
Funding
This research project (FKZ: 03EI1093) receives funding by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy from January 2025 until December 2027
