Abstract
This paper discusses some issues related with the growing importance of wind power and in modern power systems and some challenges raised by the emergence of distributed generation, and how computational intelligence and other modern techniques have been able to provide valuable results in solving the new problems. It presents some solutions obtained with a number of computational intelligence techniques and their application to real cases. © TÜBITAK.

Abstract
Expansion planning of electric power or natural gas networks has become a consuming time engineering task due to the multiple factors that must be taken into account: technical, economic, environmental or social factors. This paper presents an advanced model of natural gas distribution networks based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methodologies, to evaluate the cost associated to the expansion of these networks in order to meet a demand imposed by the user in any location of a region. The experimental results show that this approach produces visual and useful information for planning the expansion of natural gas distribution networks.

Abstract
Economic operation of medium-sized and large isolated power systems with a high penetration of renewables, namely wind power, is not well suited neither by the conventional unit commitment/dispatch arrangements for interconnected systems, nor by the simplified procedures used in small systems. In this paper, the economic scheduling functions developed within CARE are described. The main idea is to perform on-line unit commitment in the same cycle with the dispatch, using the most recent forecasts, as described by Hatziargyriou et al. (2000). The Unit Commitment module has two variants: one based on Genetic Algorithms, and one using a Combinatorial Approach. On the other hand, three alternative procedures were developed for the Economic Dispatch: a Linear Programming Optimal Power Flow, an Evolutionary approach and a Genetic Algorithms based procedure. The paper describes the main features of the five approaches, including test results when appropriate.Economic operation of medium-sized and large isolated power systems with a high penetration of renewables, namely wind power, is not well suited neither by the conventional unit commitment/dispatch arrangements for interconnected systems, nor by the simplified procedures used in small systems. In this paper, the economic scheduling functions developed within CARE are described. The main idea is to perform on-line unit commitment in the same cycle with the dispatch, using the most recent forecasts, as described by Hatziargyriou et al. (2000). The Unit Commitment module has two variants: one based on Genetic Algorithms, and one using a Combinatorial Approach. On the other hand, three alternative procedures were developed for the Economic Dispatch: a Linear Programming Optimal Power Flow, an Evolutionary approach and a Genetic Algorithms based procedure. The paper describes the main features of the five approaches, including test results when appropriate.

Abstract
In this paper one proposes that the concept of risk should be central in a distribution planning methodology, and that the procedures and models adopted should be used to take that factor in account and assess the robustness and exposure of the solution studied. It is also argued that this purpose is best served if a multicriteria approached is adopt as much as possible, keeping explicit record of the values of the serval attributes that may classify the goodness of a solution.

Abstract
In this paper, system component reinforcements are analyzed from the perspective of their impact in increasing flexibility in system design. The proposed framework integrates a fuzzy optimal power flow model through which one can derive, as a function of load uncertainties, possibility distributions for generation, power flows and power not supplied. Exposure and robustness indices, based on risk analysis concepts, are defined. These indices can be used to rank the expansion alternatives, giving the planner insight to system behavior in face of adverse futures. Their use in conjunction with investment assessments is proposed as a necessary step in a decision making methodology.

Abstract
Fuzzy modelling of power systems is proposed, to take in account the qualitative aspects and vagueness or uncertainty that have not, in fact, a random nature and therefore cannot be modelled by a probabilistic approach. An operative procedure to derive fuzzy load diagrams associated with different types of energy consumption is presented. The feasibility of the development of fuzzy linear programming models for power system planning is demonstrated. A DC and an AC fuzzy load flow formulations are developed and the quality and usefulness of the results obtained with them is made evident with the help of an example.