Assessing distributed generation in an environmental-constrained energy planning

In this paper, an optimization procedure is proposed for evaluating the contribution of distributed generation (DG) production in the energy planning. A linear programming optimization methodology based on energy flow optimisation model (EFOM) is adopted, detailing the primary energy sources exploitation, power and heat generation, emissions and end-use sectors. The model framework is enhanced in order to include the description of DG contribution. In particular, a detailed description of the electric power grid is carried out, taking into account a subdivision in different voltage levels of the electricity production and the energy demand. The optimisation process, aiming to reduce environmental impact and economical efforts, provides feasible generation settlements between large-scale generation and DG. The proposed methodology is applied to a realistic energy system.