Colloquia

Summary

Until recently, the electricity grid could accommodate with the transition towards more renewable generation and usage of energy. However, currently, the hosting capacity of the grid is reached in large parts of the Netherlands. This hampers the growth and sustainability of the Dutch economy. Traditional grid reinforcement is constrained by workforce shortages, prompting Distribution System Operators (DSOs), like Liander, to explore alternative solutions like Dynamic Thermal Rating (DTR). DTR enables more efficient use of existing assets by adapting capacity limits based on real-time or forecasted conditions. Yet, aligning the various DTR initiatives is complex.

This research investigates how an asset taxonomy, used to classify electrical grid components and associated initiatives, can serve as an architectural view to support strategic decision-making and enhance the capacity of the electrical grid using existing assets. Through the application of the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) an asset taxonomy of the electrical grid, as operated by Liander, is developed. Existing DTR initiatives and relevant policy documents are mapped to this taxonomy. A workshop including a fictional case study within Liander’s Asset en Product Management (APM) department was conducted. This allowed for testing the taxonomy’s ability to support strategic decision-making.

Responses to a survey conducted at the end of the workshop indicate that the taxonomy is perceived as clearly structured and useful for identifying gaps and avoiding redundancies between initiatives. However, its effectiveness in supporting impact assessment, collaboration and prioritization across the initiatives appears limited. Thus, while the results are promising, further refinement is needed to enhance the taxonomy’s value as strategic decision-making tool.