- Publication in EU Official Journal: April 27, 2016
- In force: May 17, 2016
- Implementation in national rules through VDE|FNN: May 17, 2018
- The pre-release versions of the VDE application rules are currently being notified by the EU Commission
- Inclusion in VDE body of technical standardization on October 19th, 2018.
Network Code Requirements for Generators (RfG)
VDE Application Rule | Draft | Period for objection | Consultation on proposals for changes | Pre-release version for notification | Notification | Inclusion in VDE body of technical standardization |
| Connection to Extra High Voltage (VDE-AR-N 4130) | 07/31/2017 | 01/10/2017 | 03/26-27/2018 | 05/17/2018 | 08/23/2018 | 10/19/2018 |
| Connection and Operation of Power Generating Plants to Low-Voltage Grid", (VDE-AR-N 4105) | 06/23/2017 | 08/23/2017 | 03/06-08/2018 | 05/17/2018 | 08/23/2018 | 10/19/2018 |
| Connection and Operation of Customer Installations to Low-Voltage Grid", (E VDE-AR-N 4100) | 04/28/2017 | 06/28/2017 | 02/21-23/2018 | 10/15/2018 | in progress | after notification |
| Connection and Operation to High-Voltage Grid and their Operation", (VDE-AR-N 4120) | 04/28/2017 | 06/28/2017 | 03/01-02/2018 | 05/17/2018 | 08/23/2018 | 10/19/2018 |
| Connection and Operation to Medium-Voltage Grid", (VDE-AR-N 4110) | 02/17/2017 | 04/17/2017 | 02/26-28/2018 | 05/17/2018 | 08/23/2018 | 10/19/2018 |
Legal examination of open questions (Hotspots)
VDE|FNN has commissioned a legal team to examine open questions regarding the design of the European Network Code “Requirements for Generators” (RfG). The law firm Heuking, Kühn, Lüer, Wojtek took over the task and delivered a report with a clear conclusion: VDE|FNN may also demand technical requirements for smaller systems, even if the minimum European requirements are specified only for larger plants.
Key insights:
- VDE|FNN may also demand that the smallest type of generating plant according to RfG (Type A plants) support the grid in the event of a fault (FRT capability)
- It is also permissible that the minimum technical requirements for customer installations for Type A and Type B installations stipulate that in future they must support the grid by feeding in active power at underfrequency (LFSM-U capability)
- Obvious editorial errors in the European Network Codes may be corrected, in particular inconsistent results of published calculation methods. This is a well known and proven procedure also used in the implementation of other standards and regulations
This legal document paves the way for an appropriate design of the RfG oriented towards national requirements. The report was already submitted to the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi). With this publication, VDE|FNN promotes transparency for all stakeholders concerned with the implementation of the European Network Codes in Germany.
Report "Hotspot Topics - Technical and Legal Background" for free download (PDF) - Only available in German
Backing the creation process
VDE|FNN has closely followed the Network Codes "Requirements for Generators" and submitted proposals for improvement regularly.
- Classification in performance categories: Voltage-depending power classification in accordance with national regulations must be observed.
- The existing national classification by voltage levels is referred to both in the existing connection conditions and also in guidelines and eligibility conditions.
- Definition of clear areas of responsibility (e.g. provisions relating to the access of the TSO to NO in active power control)
Definitions need to be harmonized and explicitly demarcated:
- e.g. power generating facility / power generating module / power park module
- Requirements in Germany refer to the grid connection point
