Large scale penetration of distributed generation is one of the most important challenges that Smartgrids will need to deal with. Among the possible solutions to increase the amount of distributed generation, there is one that consists in meshing the existing looped (but radially operated) distribution-grid topologies. In order to migrate towards meshed and actively operated topologies, this PhD proposes:- The study a solution that is able to modulate power-flow (active and reactive powers independently) in the ties between distribution grids.- The analyzed solution must also be able to improve power-quality or to avoid propagation of power quality disturbances from one grid to the other.In order to satisfy the double challenge of controlling power-flow and power quality simultaneously, this PhD proposes the use of a Unified Power Line Conditioner (UPLC). Considering the outstanding functionalities of UPLC, the main ambition of the PhD is to explore the potential and the interest of using such an apparatus for interconnecting MV distribution grids.It must nevertheless consider that UPLC is not the only a device capable of combining these functions. A device named Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) can also deal with these multiple objectives. One part of the PhD is thus committed to a comprehensive comparison between both apparatus.

L’introduction massive des sources de génération distribuée est un des challenges le plus importants dans les réseaux de distribution intelligents (aussi connus comme Smartgrids). Pour augmenter le taux de pénétration des sources de génération distribuées cette thèse se projette sur un scénario futur où les réseaux de distribution seront maillés. Afin de proposer des solutions qui faciliteront une migration vers de réseaux de distribution plus maillés, les deux objectifs majeurs qu’ont été fixés pour cette thèse sont:- L’étude d’une solution capable de moduler le flux de puissance (actif et réactif indépendamment) entre deux réseaux de distribution.- Par ailleurs, la solution évaluée doit aussi être capable d’améliorer la qualité de l’énergie dans un des réseaux ou d’empêcher la propagation des perturbations d’un réseau à l’autre.Pour satisfaire le double défi de contrôler le flux de puissance et la qualité de l’énergie simultanément, cette thèse propose l’utilisation d’un Unified Power Line Conditioner (UPLC). Compte tenu des capacités exceptionnelles de l’UPLC, l’ambition principale de cette thèse réside à explorer le potentiel et l’intérêt de l’utiliser pour interconnecter deux réseaux de distribution. Il ne faut néanmoins pas oublier que l’UPLC n’est pas le seul appareil à pouvoir combiner les fonctions de contrôle de flux de puissance et d’amélioration de la qualité électrique. Il existe, également, un appareil appelé Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) qui est capable de réaliser les mêmes fonctions ou similaires. Dû à l’importance de ce fait, une partie de la thèse est consacré à la comparaison entre l’UPLC et le MVDC. / Large scale penetration of distributed generation is one of the most important challenges that Smartgrids will need to deal with. Among the possible solutions to increase the amount of distributed generation, there is one that consists in meshing the existing looped (but radially operated) distribution-grid topologies. In order to migrate towards meshed and actively operated topologies, this PhD proposes:- The study a solution that is able to modulate power-flow (active and reactive powers independently) in the ties between distribution grids.- The analyzed solution must also be able to improve power-quality or to avoid propagation of power quality disturbances from one grid to the other.In order to satisfy the double challenge of controlling power-flow and power quality simultaneously, this PhD proposes the use of a Unified Power Line Conditioner (UPLC). Considering the outstanding functionalities of UPLC, the main ambition of the PhD is to explore the potential and the interest of using such an apparatus for interconnecting MV distribution grids.It must nevertheless consider that UPLC is not the only a device capable of combining these functions. A device named Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) can also deal with these multiple objectives. One part of the PhD is thus committed to a comprehensive comparison between both apparatus.

In recent decades, climate change has become one of the most crucial challenges for humanity. Climate change has a direct correlation with global warming, caused mainly by the green house gas emissions (GHG). The Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. (EPA) attributes carbon dioxide to account for approximately 82\% of the GHG emissions. Unfortunately, the energy sector is the main producer of carbon dioxide, with China and the U.S. as the highest emitters. Therefore, there is a strong (positive) correlation between energy production, global warming, and climate change. Stringent carbon emissions reduction targets have been established in order to reduce the impacts of GHG. Achieving these emissions reduction goals will require implementation of policies like as cap-and-trade and carbon taxes, together with transformation of the electricity grid into a smarter system with high green energy penetration. However, the consideration of policies solely in view of carbon emissions reduction may adversely impact other market outcomes such as electricity prices and consumption. In this dissertation, a two-layer mathematical-statistical framework is presented, that serves to develop carbon policies to reduce emissions level while minimizing the negative impacts on other market outcomes. The bottom layer of the two layer model comprises a bi-level optimization problem. The top layer comprises a statistical model and a Pareto analysis. Two related but different problems are studied under this methodology. The first problem looks into the design of cap-and-trade policies for deregulated electricity markets that satisfy the interest of different market constituents. Via the second problem, it is demonstrated how the framework can be used to obtain levels of carbon emissions reduction while minimizing the negative impact on electricity demand and maximizing green penetration from microgrids. In the aforementioned studies, forecasts for electricity prices and production cost are considered. This, this dissertation also presents anew forecast model that can be easily integrated in the two-layer framework. It is demonstrated in this dissertation that the proposed framework can be utilized by policy-makers, power companies, consumers, and market regulators in developing emissions policy decisions, bidding strategies, market regulations, and electricity dispatch strategies.