Comillas Pontifical University. Madrid (Spain)
June 27th, 2025
Summary:
This thesis, presented as compendium of papers, is conducted in the context of uncertainty about the usefulness of flexibility for distribution networks to face the energy transition. While relevant articles were published about the benefits of flexibility solutions and demonstration projects had been carried out announcing a variety of new options for the operation of distribution networks, regulators have not been very proactive in implementing them. With a few exceptions such as the United Kingdom, implementation in Europe has been slow in recent years. Reasonable motivations for regulators' misgivings include the question of which is really the best mechanism for flexibility services, the value that this new mechanism could really provide and to what extent Transmission System Operators (TSOs) should intervene in these new solutions. The main objective of this thesis is to study the elements that must define the design and selection of mechanisms to acquire flexibility services for Distribution System Operators (DSOs) needs that could help an efficient implementation of flexibility provision to distribution networks. To accomplish this objective, this thesis follows a stepwise approach.
Firstly, a comprehensive decision-making framework to select the most suitable flexibility mechanism for a particular DSO need is proposed. Not all mechanisms enabling DSOs to access or acquire flexibility services, named flexibility mechanisms, are equally suitable to address the different problems and needs faced by DSOs. There is also a wide range of DSO operational needs and situations of the network (according to the voltage-level, timing, and type of service) which may require different flexibility mechanisms. Several key evaluation criteria should be considered when selecting the most appropriate mechanism (TSO-DSO coordination, market liquidity, generalization), which are detailed in this thesis. As a result, the most suitable mechanisms are highlighted as useful tools to solve the needs of the network at all voltage levels and adapted to each situation. The first paper of the compendium (Annex 1) is devoted to this stage.[...]
Spanish layman's summary:
Esta tesis analiza cómo seleccionar mecanismos de flexibilidad para redes de distribución ante la transición energética. Evalúa casos reales, la necesidad de coordinación DSO-TSO y aspectos regulatorios, proponiendo un marco para una implementación eficiente y adaptable.
English layman's summary:
This thesis explores how DSOs can select optimal flexibility mechanisms to manage distribution networks amid uncertainty. It analyses mechanisms, cost-benefit cases, TSO-DSO coordination, and regulatory pathways, offering a framework for efficient and resilient flexibility use.
Descriptors: Transmission and distribution, Power distribution, Power transmission, Governrnent regulation of the private sector, Monopoly and competition, Energy
Keywords: Flexibility procurement, distribution networks DSO, flexibility mechanisms, Congestion management, flexibility evaluation, flexible connection, power distribution planning, systems operation, TSO-DSO coordination, electricity market design, flexibility markets
Citation:
F.D. Martín Utrilla, "Selecting Mechanisms to Acquire DSO Flexibility Services in the Energy Transition", PhD. dissertation, Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Spain, 2025.
