Preparing for the energy transition requires planning frameworks capable of handling thousands of uncertainty scenarios. The Ninth Power Plan of the Pacific Northwest evaluates more than 13,000 possible futures, supporting robust expansion decisions that balance reliability, affordability, and system security over the long term under evolving energy conditions.

Transmission flexibility plays a decisive role in enabling efficient resource sharing and the integration of renewable energy sources. A case study on the modernization of New Zealand’s HVDC link, using OptGen and SDDP, demonstrates how expanding interconnection capacity reduces operational costs, improves reliability, and enhances system performance across different future energy transition scenarios.

Accurate representation of renewable energy uncertainty can transform operational decision-making. Evidence from Brazil shows how SDDP-based stochastic modeling for wind and solar generation avoids overly optimistic assumptions, preserves reservoir storage during dry periods, and reduces reliance on more expensive thermal generation.

Colombia is redefining power system expansion by integrating Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to overcome traditional bottlenecks. Through the implementation of SSSC-type FACTS devices, the system can now redirect power flows in real time, effectively deferring the construction of new, more costly transmission lines. This strategic shift has already demonstrated a 10% reduction in total costs, while significantly increasing grid flexibility to integrate renewable energy sources.