A general methodology for utility microgrid planning: A Cairns case study

The unprecedented rise of distributed generation in Australia provides utilities with a unique opportunity to more effectively manage portions of the network as microgrids. The implementation of a utility owned and operated microgrid may offer many benefits such as the deferral of capital investments, improvement in reliability, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduction in network losses. However, network planners often cite problems relating to the legal and regulatory issues and protection requirements of microgrids as well as a lack of methodology for transforming an existing network. This paper firstly proposes a general methodology for microgrid planning in consideration of the technical issues of such a design. It then applies this methodology to a case study in Cairns, Far North Queensland. A cost benefit analysis has additionally been undertaken to examine the feasibility of utility microgrids.