Distribution networks in transition: A European survey on challenges and opportunities

Amidst the growing integration of low-carbon technologies, significant complexity has been added to grid management, reshaping the strategies distribution system operators employ for grid observation and planning. This study investigates the evolving role of distribution system operators, focusing on their challenges and digitalisation strategies, particularly in maintaining operational stability and leveraging operational data for control and decision-making within low-voltage networks. By combining a targeted questionnaire-based survey with a systematic literature review, our findings reveal that a clear gap persists between academic advancements and practical implementations. Based on responses from 48 distribution system operators, covering 64% of the European connected customers, the analysis provides a unique large-scale perspective on: the current practices, the data limitations, and discrepancies in modelling approaches, alongside emerging concerns regarding power quality degradation. For instance, 47% of the respondents identified telecom congestion as the primary smart meter issue, and 63% reported occasional to frequent occurrences of overvoltage. Despite these challenges, successful implementations of automated end-user disconnection using operational data demonstrate promising use cases. By mapping these findings against academic research, the study identifies misalignments and highlights technical and organisational barriers that hinder the leverage of operational data. This study offers evidence-based recommendations for network operators, researchers, and policy-makers to accelerate the digitalisation of low-voltage distribution networks. • Combines survey & literature review on digitalisation and electrification of LVDNs. • Overview of data-driven applications for DSOs & gap between research and practices. • Identified the barriers hindering the implementation of data-driven applications. • Review of the power quality issues and their origins in LVDNs according to 48 DSOs. • Lists actionable recommendations for academics, regulators and DSOs.