A methodology for determination and definition of key performance indicators for smart grids development in island energy systems

Abstract

There is a growing interest over the last decades in the field of autonomous island grids that is driven mainly by climate reasons. The common objective among the members of the European Union (EU) is the increase of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) penetration in the energy mixture, as well as turning the grid into a smart grid. Consequently, more and more state-of-the-art solutions are being proposed for the electricity generation and the optimization of the energy system management, taking advantage of innovations in all energy related sectors. The evaluation of all available solutions requires quantitative assessment, through the adoption of representative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the projects that are related to smart grid development in isolated energy systems, providing the relevant stakeholders with a useful comparison among the proposed solutions. The evaluation approach that is described in this paper emphasizes the role of the various stakeholder groups who face the proposed solutions by different points of view. Apart from the domains of interest that are also observed in previous approaches, the proposed list also contains a set of legal KPIs, since the regulatory framework can either represent a serious barrier or grant a strong incentive for the implementation of state-of-the-art energy technology and grid management solutions in different countries.