The European research project REALISEGRID: Transmission planning issues and methodological approach towards the optimal development of the pan-European system

In Europe several issues may strongly impact on the power transmission system, posing new challenges to the TSOs (Transmission System Operators), whose role becomes more complex. The present paper results from some activities carried out within the European research project REALISEGRID, dealing with numerous transmission planning issues. After introducing the European context and reviewing the current transmission planning process and practices in Europe, this paper focuses on the methodology developed to perform the cost-benefit analysis of new grid investments in a pan-European perspective. Some key results of the methodology application on a European transmission network test-bed are also part of the paper.