Network Codes: Impact of the European Guideline on System Operation on Existing and New Generating Units

Since 2009, VGB is working together with EURELECTRIC on the European grid code topics: VGB is in charge of the technical and operational codes and EURELECTRIC of the market codes. Their complementary actions have been recognized by the EC and ACER since both associations got seats when the EC created the grid connection and system operation European Stakeholder Committees (ESC).

Since 2009, VGB is working together with EURELECTRIC on the European grid code topics: VGB is in charge of the technical and operational codes and EURELECTRIC of the market codes. Their complementary actions have been recognized by the EC and ACER since both associations got seats when the EC created the grid connection and system operation European Stakeholder Committees.

The Network Codes and guidelines are now (almost) finalized, but many risks remain! In principle, the connection codes are applicable to new installations, the operational codes to all installations. Requirements on existing power plants can be revised every three years, especially if the security of supply is decreasing significantly. Special attention has to be given to modernization projects of existing power plants.

The Guideline on electricity transmission system operation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 25 August 2017 and came into force on 14 September 2017. For example, one outcome is that the TSOs have to respect the voltage and frequency limits of existing installations (article 25.2). Voltage limits have to be submitted to the TSO within 3 months (article 28.1). This was communicated by VGB by a dedicated mail from 27 September 2017 to all relevant VGB members. More details about the Impact of the European Guideline on System Operation on Existing and New Generating Units you can find here..