The energy transition is rapidly transforming the power system. The increasing integration of renewable energy sources, the growing deployment of rooftop photovoltaic systems, and the electrification of new uses such as electric mobility and heating are changing the way electricity is generated and consumed. These changes are introducing new challenges for distribution grids, which must now manage increasingly variable and decentralized energy flows.
In this context, grids may experience situations such as congestion an voltage issues, especially in networks with a high share of renewable energy sources.
As a result, new challenges have emerged in the management of the energy system. ranging from maintaining the balance between supply and demand to dealing with grid congestion and voltage issues. These situations can affect the quality of the electricity supply and limit the grid´s ability to integrate new consumers or generators.
Main problems in the electricity distribution network
- Distribution network congestion
A high share of renewable generation, data centres and other large loads can saturate the existing infrastructure, limiting the possibility of establishing new connections and even causing operational restrictions or the disconecction of previously connected elements.
- Undervoltage
System overloads, equipment demanding large amounts of electricity and/or networks with long supply distances can cause the voltage to fall below acceptable levels.
- Overvoltages and voltage spikes
Increases in voltage, even when they occur over very short periods of time, can damage electrical components and electronic equipment connected to the grid.
- Distorsions and harmonics
The presence of non-linear loads can distort the electrical waveform, compromising the quality of the power supply.
One of the most effective ways to mitigate these issues is to incorporate flexibility or demand response mechanisms into grid operation. In this context, enabling the system to shift or adjust certain loads can help prevent many of the events that may compromise grid operation.
Regardless of the solution adopted to mitigate these issues, the first step is to detect or anticipate them. For this reason, prediction tools play a key role in this context.
Advanced algorithms for predicting network issues
Within the european project PISTIS, CARTIF has developed a prediction algorithm capable of forecasting grid events such as congestion, undervoltage and overvoltage. The algorithm has been designed as a non-linear optimization problem that answer two key questions: whether an event will occur and whta demand adjustments, and at which nodes, would be required to avoid it.
Among all the solutions that satisfy the constraints of the optimization problem, the algorithm selects the one that implies the smallest possible deviation from the forecasted demand. If, at any node in the network, the required adjustment exceeds a predefined threshold, an event is considered to occur, since the forecasted demand would not be compatible with operating within the established limits.
CARTIF’s solutions for energy flexibility
Apart from the activities carried out within the PISTIS project, CARTIF has also been involved in several initiatives related to energy flexibility and demand response. For example, in the CERFlex project, CARTIF (together with CUERVA) developed algorithms for the prediction and control of flexible electrical loads in rural energy communities and tools to support peer-to-peer energy exchange. In GeMICE (in collaboration with Ignis), CARTIF contributed to the development of a digital platform for the management of energy communities and the creation of internal energy markets for renewable energy sharing. In the GEDERA project, coordinated by CEMOSA, CARTIF worked together with other entities on a multi-agent architecture for smart grids aimed at the prediction, planning and management of flexible loads in buildings, with a particular focus on the smart charging of electric vehicles. Finally, CARTIF is also involved in the ongoing European project ENFLATE (GA 101075783), which focuses on enabling flexibility provision across different sectors through data-driven services and digital solutions.
The aforementioned solutions are key to improving grid management and adapting electricity networks to the new challenges they face, while facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the energy system. In this context, CARTIF will continue working to support the transition towards more sustainable and efficient energy systems.
Discover CARTIF’s capabilities in optimising electricity grid management and integrating flexibility solutions
More about electricity grids…
- Predicting congestion and voltage issues in electricity grids: key factors for a smart and flexible grid - 3 April 2026
- Sustainable mobility plans: It´s now or never - 4 February 2022
- Blockchain for a better planet - 10 March 2021