ISGAN Lighthouse Project on Long-Term Planning & Implementation on Smart Distribution Grids

Quick access to key ISGAN Lighthouse Project outcomes:

Policy Brief to Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM 15)

The ISGAN Lighthouse Project on Long-Term Planning & Implementation on Smart Distribution Grids is a global initiative supporting the shift toward smarter, more resilient electricity distribution systems, which are essential for achieving clean energy goals and integrating increasing shares of renewable energy.

The evolution of smart distribution grids is shaped by political, economic, technological, and social dynamics, as well as the interplay of actors with diverse roles and interests – ranging from distribution system operators and municipalities to regulators, technology providers, and end-users. However, planning and implementation often occur in silos, under conditions of uncertainty, and within governance frameworks that are slow to adapt.

To address these challenges, the Lighthouse Project fosters international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and system innovation. It brings together ISGAN members and other stakeholders to co-create practical insights and forward-looking approaches to long-term distribution grid planning and implementation.
This initiative mobilizes resources and expertise from all ISGAN working groups, promoting new collaborations across our global network and exploring innovative ways of working together. It also seeks to strengthen outreach and engagement with energy sector stakeholders worldwide, advancing international knowledge sharing, innovation, and action to realize smart grids.

The Lighthouse Project is not only about new technologies, tools, and processes – it also aims to strengthen the collaborative and strategic capacity that supports the long-term transformation of energy systems. By connecting experiences across borders, sectors, and disciplines, it provides a platform for shared learning, systems thinking, and global action.

Outcomes to date (Lighthouse Project Phase 1)

New framework and curated knowledge to understand, explore, and innovate around long-term planning and implementation of smart distribution grids. The framework outlines key phases, essential enabling conditions, and the roles of key actor groups. It is explained in a dedicated knowledge resource – the ISGAN Knowledge Hub.
Policy Brief to the Clean Energy Ministerial (presented at CEM15, Brazil, October 2024), highlighting the importance of low- and medium-voltage distribution grids for the energy transition and urging policymakers to address the key challenges and uncertainties facing distribution grid actors in long-term planning and implementation of the grids for the future.
Collaborative activities including:
- Knowledge Sharing Process (KSP) spanning six workshops and auxiliary activities, bringing together ISGAN experts and external stakeholders to exchange insights and co-create solutions
- Global Workshop Series with dedicated online events focused on five world regions
- Global Survey engaging key actor groups to gather input for knowledge development on the Lighthouse theme.

Ongoing work (Lighthouse Project Phase 2)

Building on the insights and outcomes of the first phase, the second phase (2025–2026) features several key activities, including:

Knowledge Sharing Process (KSP) focused on improving coordination and collaboration between key actors involved in complex distribution grid planning/implementation processes. By taking a holistic approach to actor ecosystems, the project aims to strengthen coordination and institutional capacity across diverse national and regional contexts. The KSP currently involves ISGAN experts from 13 countries across 4 continents.
Casebook development showcasing pioneering global examples of innovation in long-term planning and implementation of smart distribution grids from ISGAN member countries.
ISGAN Virtual Learning Webinar Series, led by experts from ISGAN working groups, exploring key aspects of long-term planning and implementation of smart distribution grids, with the help of the new framework developed in Phase 1 of the Lighthouse Project.
Workshops with key actor groups – including distribution system operators and grid owners, local and regional governments, and national policymakers and regulators – to explore challenges and opportunities in advancing grid planning processes.
Deep-dive activities by ISGAN working groups on key technologies and aspects relevant to the Lighthouse Project theme.
Collaboration with other international organizations and work streams to share and co-create knowledge.

Together, these activities aim to deliver a set of high-impact knowledge products to be launched in 2026 in conjunction with the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM17). Our mission is to support grid actors worldwide in navigating complexity, reducing uncertainty, and accelerating the adoption of smart, sustainable energy solutions.

For more information about the Lighthouse Project, please contact: Helena Lindquist, Lighthouse Project Manager, helena(@)iea-isgan.org.

Visit the ISGAN Knowledge Hub