ENTSO-E Connection Codes Implementation Guidance Documents_Frequency Stability Parameters

Overview

Europe currently has three connection network codes: Requirements for generators (RfG), Demand Connection (DCC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC). RfG has entered into force on 17 May 2016, the DCC on 18 August 2016 and the HVDC on 8 September 2016.

The Member States have the obligation to implement these codes no later than three years after their entry into force. Within this timeframe the Member states have 2 years to define the national specifications for the so-called non-exhaustive requirements.

In order to support the implementation at national level and also in line with the legal requirements of these network codes ENTSO-E has drafted and when necessary improved non-binding implementation guidance documents (IGDs), eight of which we currently put forward for consultation.

These guidance documents are primarily addressed to the transmission system operators and other system operators concerning the elements of the codes requiring national decisions. They shall explain the technical issues, conditions and interdependencies which need to be considered when complying with the requirements of these Regulations at national level.

The current IGDs consultation is scheduled as follows:

20 November 2017 – 21 December 2017 – ENTSO-E publishes eight (8) draft IGDs for consultation – six (6) new and two (2) updates (please see the list below). The comments received will support the finalisation of the IGDs. 

The IGDs have been developed after extensive internal coordination with regional groups and system operation experts.

In addition, a public survey to manufacturers and other stakeholders was conducted as well as three public workshops:

• 1st Public Workshop: Workshop on the connection codes frequency parameters
• 2nd Public Workshop: 2nd Workshop on the connection codes frequency parameters
• 3rd Public Workshop: 3rd Workshop on the connection codes frequency parameters 

All the above have been completed with respect to the Roadmap that ENTSO-E prepared in March 2017. 

More information can be read here.

A preview of all the questions in this consultation can be accessed here.

The IGDs under consultation are listed below and can be downloaded from the following link.

1. Frequency Sensitive Mode
2. Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode
3. Demand Response - System Frequency Control
4. Frequency Ranges
5. Maximum Admissible Active Power Reduction at Low Frequencies 
6. Automatic (re-)connection and Rate of Change of Active Power
7. Rate of Change of Frequency Withstand Capability (RoCoF)
8. Need for Synthetic Inertia for Frequency Regulation

Why your views matter

ENTSO-E is consulting the IGDs for three main reasons:

1. Although the main addressees of the IGDs are the system operators, the connection codes have a significant impact on manufacturers, power generating module operators, demand facilities and distribution networks.
2. The IGDs are drafted as supporting material for the connection codes implementation at the member state level and shall aim to give guidance for national specifications for non-exhaustive requirements. 
3. The IGDs are legally requested to be consulted with stakeholders before their release within the six month of the entry into force of the Regulations.

What happens next

After the end of the consultation period, ENTSO-E and the relevant drafting teams will consolidate the comments and consider them for the improvement of the IGDs.

Reply to the consultation will be provided as soon as possible after the end of the consultation, together with the final versions of the IGDs.

The planned period for publication is early January 2018