European Grid Development
European Grid Development
Since the establishment of ENTSO-E through EC 714/2009 the development of a high quality interconnected European Grid has been a significant objective for EirGrid and SONI. There are a number of work streams operating at a European Level which are contributing to this work. Over the next year each of these groups will continue to produce significant output. At present there are a number of key high priority areas:
Network Codes/Framework Guidelines
The 3rd Energy Package (in particular EC 714/2009) calls for the development of Framework Guidelines and Network Codes in a number of areas related to the operations, developments and markets. Framework Guidelines set out the high level content that a Network Codes should contain to meet a objective specified in Paragraph 6 of Article 8. of EU Regulation 714/2009. Network codes on the other hand provide access to the transmission networks across borders. They ensure that planning is coordinated and sufficiently forward-looking and that the European transmission system evolves in a technically sound manner. The process formally commenced in mid-2011. For more information check out this website: ENTSO-E Network Code.
Grid Connection
The Framework guideline for Grid connection sets out Grid Connection high level requirements that should be developed by ENTSO-E into network code form. ENTSO-E has determined that four network codes will be sufficient to meet these requirements there are: Requirements for Generators; Demand Connection Code; HVDC Code and Connection Procedures Code. For more information check out this website: ACER Framework Guidelines
Requirement for Generators
In July 2011, the EC formally requested that ENTSO-E begin drafting a Network Code on Connection Requirements Applicable to all Generators connecting to the Power System in Europe, in line with EC 714/2009. This Network Code will be updated following collaboration with ACER through its Framework Guideline. An updated working draft was released by ENTSO-E on November 2nd. Full consultation has started. Two international workshops are being held covering this and the 10 Year Network Development Plan in Stockholm and Zagreb. A workshop was held in Brussels on February 15th. The code is due to go through the comitology process before summer 2012. For more details on this Network Code please check out this website: ENTSO-E RfG.
Demand Connection Code
This network code sets out the European requirements for the connection of Demand Facilities (Customers) and Distribution Networks. The code covers not only the requirements themselves but also derogation, notification procedure and compliance aspectsPlanning standards. Drafting commenced in Q1 2012 however, the code won't get through comitology until the end of 2012 at the earliest.
European Transmission Grid Planning Standards
ENTSO-E is responsible for the development of standards, methodologies, requirements and networks codes around the planned development of the transmission network at a European level. These are appropriate to assess the adequacy of the existing transmission network for the need for further reinforcement of cross border reinforcements in the TYNDP and to test the selection of a suitable reinforcement solution
Ten Year Network Development Plan
The 10 Year Network Development Plan is a bi-annual non-binding plan which ENTSO-E must publish in accordance with the 3rd Energy Package. It is designed to improve the level of transparency with regard to transmission investments on a pan-european basis and to support decision making at a regional and European level. The 2012 plan began drafting in January 2012. EirGrid and SONI have been heavily involved in the validation of maps and results through the North Sea Regional Group, which is made up of a number of countries' TSOs in the North Sea and North Atlantic area. The plan will be finalised in mid-2012.with regard to