Economic impact of investments in weather forecasts for distribution system operators: the Italian case

A larger integration worldwide of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the electricity distribution system is certainly desirable, to reduce CO2 emissions and to contribute to a sustainable development. However, the increasing penetration of renewable energy is a challenge for the system performance, because it affects the Power Quality (PQ) and the load management, forecasting and scheduling. To reduce the impact of intermittent energy sources on network security, it is mandatory to predict with reasonable accuracy the renewable energy variations. The paper is mainly focused on solar energy and its integration with distribution network. The technical issues and the economic impact of more accurate weather forecasts is discussed with particular reference to the results of the absolutely first field tests on a new forecast system implemented in the Italian distribution network by the most important Italian Distribution System Operator (DSO). The fundamental role of land weather stations as a new essential component of the distribution network is highlighted.