Characterization of decentralised microgeneration in Portugal

The foreseeable increase of interest by the public on the micro-generation of electric energy to be injected in low voltage grids of all Distribution System Operator (DSO), has led EDP Distribuiçáo (EDP Group) to take some measures on the management, control and operation of its low voltage grids in order to accommodate the additional amounts of power suddenly available by the owners of microgenerators (μG). This paper gives a brief account of what has been made in Portugal in this area and shows the results of a special Power Quality (PQ) campaign launched by EDP Distribuiçáo (EDPD) to estimate the effects of this new decentralized power on some of the main PQ indicators of its low voltage grids. In addition, a reference is made to the InovGrid Project EDP Distribuiçáo has in operation to implement in a first step of grid modernization the technology of smartmetering in selected portions of low voltage grids as a means to achieve a more secure and flexible grid towards a different concept of electric network known as smartgrid.