Evaluating transmission network development alternatives through combined benefit analysis

Power system planning became a very complex problem in modern energy landscape, requiring new methods able to define transmission infrastructure investments prioritization, providing significant recommendation for the Transmission System Operators (TSOs) about different investment strategies within uncertain context characterized by different long-term energy scenarios. In this paper, a methodology for economic-temporal planning of network development is presented: the multi-criteria analysis is adopted for relevant alternatives definition and benefit analysis to assess their combined impact is performed, in order to derive hints for decision on temporal/economical alternatives planning. The application to the real case of the Italian Network Development Plan is presented in the two reference contrasting energy scenarios at 2030 horizon. Zonal market simulations are performed with the aim of assessing the socio-economic welfare benefit indicator related to the different strategies under analysis.