Grid Planning in Switzerland: Into a Secure Energy Future with Automated Grid Simulations

The New Reality of Grid Planning

Traditional planning processes based on a few reference grids and static assumptions are increasingly reaching their limits in the face of decentralized expansion. New load profiles (e.g., from heat pumps and e-mobility), volatile generation, and uncertainties in development require a new planning logic: proactive, model-driven, and based on realistic scenarios.

This is precisely where grid studies come in as an elementary basis for effective strategic grid planning. Strategic grid planning describes the long-term desired state of the distribution grid – as cost-efficient and high-performing as possible. Grid studies, in turn, simulate different scenarios, such as how accelerated PV expansion or municipal heat planning affects grid utilization. The combination of both methods forms the basis for strategically sound investment decisions – and simultaneously reduces the risk of bad investments or redundancies.

Grid Simulation Software as a Key Technology

To implement strategic grid planning and grid studies in a practical way, powerful software solutions are required. A digital grid model that represents all voltage levels, equipment, and loads is the starting point. From there, various future scenarios are calculated and evaluated using grid simulations based on time series or simultaneity factors.

With the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), the German smart grid provider envelio offers a modular software solution that enables exactly this:

• The Grid Study App allows for the easy creation and evaluation of scenario analyses – e.g., based on the planned expansion of PV systems, charging points, or heat pumps. Data from municipal heat planning can also be integrated.

• The Grid Planning App derives concrete measures for grid reinforcement or expansion for these scenarios – such as new transformer stations or line reinforcements.

envelio's Differentiation: More Than Traditional Planning

envelio differentiates itself in the market through an integrated approach that combines grid transparency, data quality, and flexibility management:

• With the Grid Transparency software application, a computable grid model is created – by merging data on assets, grid structure, topology, and the supply task.

• The high degree of automation and scalability of the platform is decisive: With envelio's grid studies and strategic grid planning, thousands of grids can be fully and detailedly simulated, instead of only analyzing individual reference grids as was previously common.

• Flexible control concepts, which are becoming increasingly important in Switzerland because, for example, hydropower is only available temporarily, can be considered and prepared.

New Efficiency for Grid Planning and Operations

Distribution grids are under pressure – but the departments for planning, operations, and asset management often still act in isolation from one another. This fragmentation leads to inefficient use of resources and uncoordinated decisions. With the PlanOps approach, these areas can be closely linked to better coordinate planning processes, use resources more specifically, and make the grids fit for the future.

Inspired by the DevOps principle of IT, PlanOps promotes continuous collaboration between grid planning and operations. The foundation is the digital twin of the grids – a uniform grid model that is continuously enriched with current data and made available across departments.

How Swiss Distribution System Operators Benefit

For grid operators in Switzerland, this results in clear added value:

• Investment Security: The simulation of realistic scenarios reduces uncertainties and enables strategic planning.

• Transparency: "Blind spots" in the medium and low-voltage grids are made visible.

• Efficiency: Automated calculations shorten planning cycles and reduce costs.

• Proactive Planning: Grid operators can adapt early to infrastructural or regulatory requirements – such as regarding supply security in winter or EU connectivity.

Conclusion: The Future of Grids is Simulated

The energy transition is a generational project and a Herculean task for Switzerland. This makes it all the more important to set the right course now.

Strategic grid planning and grid studies are not theoretical gimmicks, but the foundation for a resilient, sustainable grid strategy. With intelligent grid simulation software like envelio's IGP, distribution system operators can proactively shape the transition – while simultaneously harmonizing security of supply, investment security, and efficiency.