Estimated grid hosting capacity that can be unlocked via non-firm connection agreements and technology upgrades by region

Notes

The calculation of unlocked capacity via non-firm connection agreements is based on the assessment of public statements by system operators, regulators and governments in markets where this type of contract has already been implemented, taking into account power system characteristics and indicative levels of congestion. Technology upgrades considered in the analysis are dynamic line rating, dynamic transformer rating, advanced power flow control, topology optimisation, storage as a transmission asset, reconductoring and voltage uprating. The calculation of unlocked capacity via technology upgrades is based on literature review of papers, reports, statements and case studies providing quantitative assessments of unlocked capacity and technical/economic viability by solution across a diverse range of transmission networks worldwide. For both non-firm connections and technology upgrades, potentials of unlocked capacity by region and globally have been calculated using existing country- or region-level power grid length by voltage range, conductor types, current rating, number of circuits, congestion, average and peak demand. Hosting capacity values are provided as a high-level estimation based on transmission capacity gains and can differ from real-world applications based on grid- and project- specific detailed connection studies to verify constraints which are not considered in this analysis, e.g. voltage, short-circuit, substation capacity constraints, generation and load profiles, among others. Sources used to develop these methodologies are provided where relevant in the report.