Future Deployment and Flexibility of Distributed Energy Resources in the Distribution Grids of Switzerland

The increasing deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, and heat pumps is transforming power distribution grids, posing new challenges for system planning, operation, and policy design. However, access to detailed, spatially resolved data on DER deployment and flexible demand remains limited due to data privacy concerns and the fragmented nature of existing information sources.

This research project addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive, high-resolution database of distributed energy resources and non-controllable loads allocated in synthetic medium- and low-voltage distribution grids covering all of Switzerland. The dataset includes geo-referenced locations, hourly time series for energy consumption and generation, and operational flexibility parameters for controllable devices such as PV systems, battery storage, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. Projections are provided for 2030, 2040, and 2050, aligned with national energy strategy targets. The modular structure of the database enables analyses at both national and local scales, supporting studies on flexibility provision, grid resilience, and energy policy across diverse Swiss regions.