(Frankfurt am Main, September 30, 2025) Across Europe, the CNC sets minimum technical requirements for the connection and behavior of generation and consumption facilities as well as direct current connections. They are the key to efficiently integrating renewable energies, storage facilities, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and electrolysers into the power grid. Only with the new CNC 2.0 can the functions of conventional power plants be completely replaced by climate-friendly technologies.
"The CNC are the foundation of a stable, climate-friendly, and harmonized European power supply. The new codes were scheduled for summer 2025. Their delay hinders the grid integration of new plants and jeopardizes system stability," warns Heike Kerber, Managing Director at VDE FNN. "Without reliable and uniform framework conditions, Europe is at risk of regulatory uncertainty and supply risks." As the German technical regulator, VDE FNN is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) to implement the Network Codes in the Technical Connection Rules (TAR).
System stability at stake
The lack of regulation of converters for so-called "grid-forming properties" is particularly critical. Until now, conventional power plants have acted as voltage sources— ly speaking, they have formed the grid. This means, among other things, that they have specified voltage and frequency and provided instantaneous reserve. In order for renewable energy generation plants to replace conventional power plants as far as possible, a sufficient number of them must take over this capability in the future. The foundation for this should be laid in CNC 2.0. Without uniform requirements across Europe, the risk of grid disruptions, including large-scale blackouts, increases. In addition, without an updated CNC, member states could be forced to develop their own regulations. This would not only weaken the European single market but also inhibit investment and slow down technological development.
Request to the European Commission
In its current position paper, VDE FNN appeals to the European Commission to resume the process immediately, arguing that the delay in the adoption of the Connection Network Codes jeopardizes system stability. Only with the swift adoption of CNC 2.0 can security of supply and fair competitive conditions be ensured and the transformation of the energy system in Europe be driven forward.
"System stability is not just a national task, but a European duty," emphasizes Heike Kerber. "We now need clear rules so that the energy transition can succeed and Europe can achieve its climate targets."
