A Macro-Environmental analysis has been carried-out, following the PESTLE approach. The political factor is highlighted (Paris agreement for reduction of CO2 emissions), thus being highly correlated to anticipated RES penetration increase. Legal factors are of major importance, as they concern regulation framework inefficiencies in distribution grids, which are subject to change in near future, allowing more sophisticated solutions to be applied, towards grid optimized operation.
The study includes a market analysis, referring to key points, such as industry, segments, restraints, customer and total addressable market. Especially regarding segments, via the present study it is evident that the initial focus should target isolated-grids (e.g. islands), and micro-grids; however, in a second phase, non-isolated distribution grids referring to old/outdated infrastructures could be potential adopters of the solution. Additionally, a second iteration regarding product definition and business model has been conducted. Principal concern is the opportunity to offer an affordable and integrated solution to isolated distribution grids, without requesting large customer investments and if possible, to achieve fast ROI for them. Apparently, a monthly recurring license based model, which includes all costs (both software and hardware), apart from telecommunication and system installation, is the most attractive candidate, also able to provide business sustainability and rapid scale in short term.
Furthermore, the study includes a preliminary research regarding IPR and freedom to operate. Although, competitive solutions exist and are already patented, the general concept of RES intelligent management in distribution grids, is considered as prior art, especially due to several academic and governmental institutes publications. However, clear differentiation of the proposed method must be defined and if possible patented.