VDE|FNN konkretisiert die Anforderungen des Europäischen Network Codes RfG für Deutschland in VDE-Anwendungsregeln.

2017-12-18 page

Network Code Requirements for Generators (RfG)

The Network Code describes the grid connection requirements for generators at all voltage levels. It focuses on the cross-border electricity trade. The regulations include, for example, capabilities for frequency stabilization, provision of reactive power to the point of black start capacity of large installations.

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.

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 (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 Climate protection (BMWK). 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