The CSIR`s work in the area seeks to ensure that energy systems is analysed and optimised from a system perspective. The research focuses on an interconnected energy system model, as opposed to individual technologies. Technology researchers and system researchers interact and collaborate in this area for an iterative optimisation of system modelling and technology research.

Five research areas are addressed based on the national needs.
 

Energy planning

• The long-term effects of new capacity on the power system
• Scenario analyses for different sets of key assumptions; IRP type modelling
• Assessment of the potential effects of new technologies on the energy system, including energy storage, power-to-gas, power-to-liquids
• Introducing dynamic visualisation aspects to integrated energy-system modelling
• Observing, modelling and optimising of new links between the energy sectors (power, heat, transport).
   

Network planning (transmission and distribution)

• Network capacity assessment for supply and demand connections
• Modelling and analyses of network impacts due to variable generation sources
• Real-time digital power system simulations for planning
• Power electronics performance and system integration
• Review of existing planning philosophies, standards and grid code requirements for alignment with the changing technology and system requirements.
   

Microgrids

• Cost-optimal design and operation of microgrids with all various dynamic energy sources
• Interconnection of island grids into the national grid
• The energy-autonomous campus project is effectively a CSIR campus microgrid which will provide a test-bed platform for research and industry.
   

Energy-system operation

• General energy dispatch analyses
• Flexibility requirements of conventional power system fleets
• Balancing requirements and potential market structures
• Integration of renewable energy forecasting (into the procedures and protocols)
• Review of existing operations procedures, standards and grid code requirements for alignment with the evolving system requirements
• Formation of virtual power plants across interconnected networks
• Simulations of the technical aspects of smart-grid systems in order to determine future system requirements and contribute to the smart-grid framework for South Africa.
   

Smart-grids

The future power system will be a smart-grid, therefore smart-grid is cross-cutting between all research areas. Smart-grids should thus be researched and applied in all the areas.