More and more households are generating electricity with their photovoltaic systems and feeding it into the distribution networks. In addition, hundreds of thousands of new wall boxes, heat pumps, and battery storage systems are being connected across Germany every year. The Forum for Grid Technology and Grid Operations within VDE (VDE FNN) develops authoritative regulations that contribute to a stable frequency even during the energy transition. At the same time, legislators are called upon to act. A key task is to enable distribution system operators (DSOs) to efficiently curtail decentralized systems under 100 kW or reduce power consumption by end-use devices in critical grid situations – for example, when too much electricity is fed into the grid or consumed in certain regions.
Put an end to uncertainties
The background to this is that Sections 14a of the Energy Economy Act (EnWG) (consumption), 13a of the EnWG (generation), and Section 9 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) (feed-in) currently contain different and, in some cases, contradictory regulations regarding control within distribution networks. For example, distribution network operators (DNOs) are already permitted to control consumer devices such as wall boxes at the grid connection point – a sensible regulation. When it comes to generation, however, distribution network operators (DNOs) must intervene directly at the photovoltaic systems. The varying effects of control measures on customer installations result in additional work, increased complexity, a heightened susceptibility to errors, and uncertainties for both distribution network operators and operators of renewable energy installations. Ultimately, the current legal regulations mean that prosumers are unable to use their own electricity during periods of grid congestion.
Focus on grid connection points
The federal government is therefore called upon to provide clarity before the end of this year and to focus the impact of regulatory measures on both consumption and feed-in at the grid connection point. Here are the key advantages:
- A standardized approach reduces complexity and enables the rollout of control measures across different case classes.
- The technical effort is limited to a level that is feasible and economically viable for all parties.
- Installers can follow a clear set of guidelines.
- Solar power system operators can continue to use the electricity themselves even when output is curtailed.
