Novel Methodology for Determining Necessary and Sufficient Power in Integrated Power Systems Based on the Forecasted Volumes of Electricity Production
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear Authors,
Please see my comments in att.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback and constructive suggestions. We appreciate the time you took to review our manuscript. Please find in attached file our responses to your comments.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe work needs to be described more clearly. Inside the abstract there is technical information, there is talk of coefficients and variables when it should better explain the innovation.
The introduction is really well done, very clear. It is great to have the references described one by one with the reason for the citation, in order. Very good work.
Chapter 2 immediately moves on to the mathematical phase without explaining how the type system is made. It is necessary to have an explanation and a minimum of a schematic diagram of the system to understand what the application conditions are. An example would also be useful to better understand the variables and general boundary conditions. At least the boundary conditions to which the proposed strategy is applicable.
It is not clear how the coefficients are derived. The procedure should be explained in a few lines before starting and, above all, there should be a flow chart explaining the logic. The graphical relationship between the areas of the graph and the coefficients is not clear.
I do not understand how a forecast linked to statistics from previous years can be valid for the future. It would probably be more appropriate to tie the search for coefficients to a correlation with meteorological or astronomical conditions. How come it is not considered?
How come there is no reference in the paper to the randomness of production from renewable sources, since it is mentioned in the article?
I do not understand what the innovation is and what is important in the work, this work needs to be revised and described better.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback and constructive suggestions. We appreciate the time you took to review our manuscript. Please find in attached file our responses to your comments.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript addresses the proposal of a zonal capacity planning methodology for integrated power systems (IPS) using historical load profiles and production forecasts. The work presents the development of a mathematical model to determine zonal power capacities (base, half-peak, peak) in IPS to ensure an accurate forecast of electricity generation volumes.
The work advances IPS planning by linking granular zonal load analysis to long-term capacity forecasting, offering a robust, computationally efficient alternative to traditional econometric or ML-based models. Its calibration methodology and error-tracking framework set a new standard for high-stakes, data-scarce energy transitions.
The paper provides a low-complexity, high-accuracy tool for IPS planners, critical for post-war Ukrainian grid restoration. The proposal leverages real ELG data from Ukraine’s IPS (2016–2020), clearly quantifies errors in zonal capacities of generation, and is adaptable to other IPS with similar load-profile variability.
In my view, the article may be improved in some aspects:
1) Certainly, it is not “the first time” that the energy forecast of a district is addressed in studies of integrated power systems, as mentioned in the abstract. The claim of "first-time solution" needs nuanced comparison with cited works (e.g., [41], [45]).
2) The transition from the background to the contribution of the authors (Section 2) needs sharper focus.
3) The research question is implied but not explicitly stated (e.g., "How can zonal capacities be determined for future electricity demand?"). Moreover, the hypotheses are clearly reported, and the methodology is described procedurally but lacks theoretical justification (e.g., why calibration factor α is optimal).
4) The discussion of errors (Tables 5–6) is strong, but the broader implications (e.g., scalability to other IPS) are underdeveloped.
5) Conclusions restate results but lack depth in limitations (e.g., data granularity, assumptions about ELG stability).
Suggestions:
1) Sharpen the focus of the introduction and literature review to highlight the novelty of the study.
2) State explicitly the research questions, and hypotheses, and justify methodological choices (e.g., calibration factor α).
3) Expand the discussion to address limitations and broader applicability of the proposed methodology.
4) Edit for clarity in language and flow.
Comments on the Quality of English Language1) The text is generally clear but contains minor grammatical issues, mainly regarding cohesion (e.g., "Electricity is a highly valuable commodity with a high degree of technological transformation" is verbose and vague).
2) Some sentences are overly complex and long (e.g., Abstract: "It is proved that..." could be streamlined).
The manuscript is technically sound but would benefit from stronger framing and narrative cohesion.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback and constructive suggestions. We appreciate the time you took to review our manuscript. Please find in attached file our responses to your comments.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe comments were accompanied by clear answers.
The article has been updated beginning with the abstract.
An explanation of the state of the art and what's new in the work has also been added.
Now the discussion of the explanation is clear.
The work in my opinion can be published.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe suggestions I made in the first review have been satisfactorily addressed. I recommend acceptance of the manuscript in its current form.
