Abstract
This paper presents a general comparison between network-secure and network-free optimization frameworks to manage flexible multi-energy resources. Both frameworks were implemented in a test case that includes electricity, gas, and heat distribution networks. Several potential scenarios for the decarbonization of the multi-energy system were simulated. The economic, technical, and environmental impacts were compiled. The network-secure framework is highly recommended to avoid service disruptions due to network violations, but its implementation comes with a price - overall operational costs increase, sometimes substantially.

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This paper presents a methodology for evaluating the impact resulting from the expected large scale integration of micro-generation (µG) in Low Voltage (LV) grids in Portugal. The proposed methodology allows the evaluation of the impacts in the entire LV and Medium Voltage (MV) distribution network by using typical load and generation profiles (24 hours) representing two well defined year periods (Summer and Winter). The simulations were performed in a time interval from 2008 to 2030, upon the definition of future scenarios related to the expected µG installed power in Portugal in the same period. Based on the obtained results, it was possible to quantify percentage gains related to the reduction of energy losses as a result of µ G integration in LV networks, avoided CO2 emissions and the possibility of achieving investment deferrals due to branches' congestion levels reduction or voltage profile improvements. ©2010 IEEE.

Abstract
The uncertainties related to when and where electric vehicles will charge in the future requires the development of stochastic based approaches to identify the corresponding load scenarios. This paper describes a tool based on Monte Carlo techniques to be used for distribution grid planning, providing a characterization of possible grid operation conditions, regarding voltage profiles, branch loading, grid peak power and energy losses. A medium voltage network based on real data is used to illustrate the application of the developed methodology.