Zhang, Lu, Tong, Bo, Zhang, Yujing, Zhang, Bo, Liang, Jun  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7511-449X and Tang, Wei
2026.
Optimal deployment of distribution network interconnection considering scale-driven cost reduction and carbon mitigation.
Energy Conversion and Management
360
, 121577.
10.1016/j.enconman.2026.121577
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Abstract
Achieving deep decarbonization of power systems requires large-scale integration of distributed renewables, yet such integration is increasingly constrained by the limited capacity and flexibility of existing distribution networks. Besides, the energy transition has triggered significant load growth, necessitating the capacity expansion and upgrade of numerous distribution assets. Flexible interconnection technology offers a promising solution by enabling coordinated power exchange among neighboring distribution systems, but its deployment has been hindered by high upfront costs and the lack of large-scale assessments. This study develops a nationwide expansion framework that explicitly incorporates scale-dependent cost evolution of flexible interconnection technology and regional heterogeneity in electricity demand across rural, urban, and industrial networks in China. Results show that large-scale deployment can reduce unit costs of interconnection device by more than 50%, reaching approximately 135.81 $/kVA, while enabling annual carbon emission reductions of up to 247 million tons. These findings highlight the critical role of scale–cost interactions in shaping the techno-economic viability and decarbonization potential of distribution-level flexibility technologies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Engineering |
| Additional Information: | RRS policy applied |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0196-8904 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 8 July 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 1 May 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 08 Jul 2026 09:15 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187066 |
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