Reactive Power Management Challenges with Increasing Underground Cabling

This paper presents an overview of the current challenges on managing voltage and reactive power in the overall transmission and distribution networks. In order to understand the problem, this paper analyses the relationship between reactive power compensation needed and foreseen grid developments for facilitating energy transition. Firstly, this paper summarizes the reactive power changes due to the increasing installation of underground cables. Secondly, the impact of underground cables on low- and medium-voltage networks is considered in simplified model calculations, which highlights the need to investigate thoroughly the occurrence of reactive power. The other issues of cable loading and power factor have also been investigated via a simulation. The conclusion recommends further research on reactive power forecasting and optimization to contribute to maintaining security of power supply.