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The depletion of conventional fuel reserves and the high carbon emissions have alarmed the energy sector drivers. The integration of renewable energy resources (RERs) towards power system transformation is an obvious approach for a new-zero future. However, this integration also brings challenges in terms of voltage stability and power losses due to the variable output of RERs. To address these challenges, this work proposes a novel approach utilizing photovoltaic (PV) inverters and static var compensators (SVCs) for reactive power control in power distribution networks (PDNs). It enhances voltage stability and minimizes power losses. The proposed study deploys a proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm for real-time communication and control between reactive power devices. Performance evaluation was made on an IEEE-33 Bus system to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in integrating RER-based distributed generators (DGs). The proposed system achieved 68 % voltage control, keeping the voltage within a certain range of ±5 % while minimizing power losses. The proposed system also reduced the voltage out-of-control ratio to 0.044, which indicates minimum voltage deviation from the standard value. The proposed study provides a promising solution for controlling the voltage of DGs integrated PDN, which can potentially enhance the efficiency and reliability of the power system. • This paper introduces PV inverters and SVC-based reactive power voltage regulation for renewable DG-integrated systems. • Reactive power control in the DG-integrated system is adopted using Reinforcement Learning-Driven PPO. • The validation of the proposed method uses the IEEE-33 bus system to integrate RERs-based DGs and achieve PPO-based control. • The proposed method achieved 68% voltage control, reduced power loss, and reduced the voltage out-of-control ratio to 0.044. • This research compares the suggested approach to different methodologies to demonstrate its validity and applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the active distribution networks (ADNs), the emerging trend of high penetration of sustainable energy sources such as wind turbines, photovoltaics, and the forthcoming integration of energy storage devices and additional dynamic loads like plug‐in‐electric vehicles (PEVs) influences to change the nature of electric distribution networks. Consequently, it deteriorates power quality and reliability in terms of unacceptable voltage rise‐drop, harmonic distortion, voltage unbalance, and excessive power loss. In this context of transition into the active distribution network, the probabilistic optimal power flow (P‐OPF) in the ADN is considered an important tool that helps the distribution grid operators for defining the optimal settings of the system's control variables. However, the optimal solution of P‐OPF becomes highly complex while considering the multiple variables, time‐varying characteristics and operational uncertainties associated with sustainable resources, consumer behaviour and electricity market prices. This review aims at promoting the research and discussion of P‐OPF studies in the context of ADNs characteristics and challenges. First, we perform a data‐driven and visualized scientometric analysis of 1988 quality documents retrieved from the Scopus during the last ten years using VOSviewer software. Second, an in‐depth investigation of the recent and emerging techniques for solving the P‐OPF problem is presented. Third, a set of recommendations and highlights of future challenges for P‐OPF in ADNs are offered. The review findings showed high interest among the scientific community in sustainable energy source integration, given the recent rise in publications and citations. Also, there is still a lack of innovative optimization techniques that can adequately handle the current issues associated with P‐OPF and objectives with fair computational efficiency and accuracy. Finally, this paper offers a guide for P‐OPF researchers to navigate the recent studies considering the sustainable sources, spot the new research frontiers, and identify the most impactful countries and publishers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]