DraftNetworkCode RequirementsforAllGenerators

AEURELECTRICDSOPosition
PublishedwithSupportofGEODE&CEDEC

December2011

TheUnionoftheElectricityIndustryEURELECTRICisthesectorassociationrepresentingthecommoninterestsof theelectricityindustryatpanEuropeanlevel,plusitsaffiliatesandassociatesonseveralothercontinents. In line with its mission, EURELECTRIC seeks to contribute to the competitiveness of the electricity industry, to provideeffectiverepresentationfortheindustryinpublicaffairs,andtopromotetheroleofelectricitybothinthe advancementofsocietyandinhelpingprovidesolutionstothechallengesofsustainabledevelopment. EURELECTRICs formal opinions, policy positions and reports are formulated in Working Groups, composed of experts from the electricity industry, supervised by five Committees. This structure of expertise ensures that EURELECTRICspublisheddocumentsarebasedonhighqualityinputwithuptodateinformation. For further information on EURELECTRIC activities, visit our website, which provides general information on the association and on policy issues relevant to the electricity industry; latest news of our activities; EURELECTRIC positionsandstatements;apublicationscataloguelistingEURELECTRICreports;andinformationonoureventsand conferences.

EURELECTRICpursuesinallitsactivitiestheapplicationof thefollowingsustainabledevelopmentvalues: EconomicDevelopment Growth,addedvalue,efficiency EnvironmentalLeadership Commitment,innovation,proactiveness SocialResponsibility Transparency,ethics,accountability

Dptlgal:D/2011/12.105/56

DraftNetworkCodeRequirementforAll Generators

TFGridConnectionCodes JacquesMERLEY(FR)Chair Alberto CERRETTI (IT); Bruno GOUVERNEUR (BE); Tony HEARNE (IE); Riccardo LAMA (IT); Johan LUNDQVIST(SE);GraemeVINCENT(GB);SiegfriedWANZEK(DE) Contact: PavlaMANDATOVA,Advisor,NetworksUnitpmandatova@eurelectric.org

TABLEOFCONTENTS ExecutiveSummary ...............................................................................................................2 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................3 1.Whatisacrossbordernetworkissue? ..........................................................................4 2.Varioustypesofgenerators,variousrolesinEuropeanpowersystems .........................6 3.Varioustypesofgenerators,variouswaystoensurecompliance .................................10 4.Anopenandevolutionaryprocessratherthanastateoftheartdocument .................11 5.IndepthinvolvementofDSOstofurtherrevisionofthedocument..............................11

ExecutiveSummary
In November 2011, ENTSOE released a new version of its working draft Network Code on ConnectionRequirementsApplicabletoAllGenerators.EURELECTRICwelcomesimprovementinthe newdraftrelatedtothenolongermandatoryapplicabilityofnetworkcoderequirementstoexisting plants. Nevertheless, EURELECTRIC DSOs feel the need to address their prevailing concerns about the scope and the structure of the working draft before the code enters the public consultation plannedbytheendofJanuary2012. The aim of this report is to present an alternative view on the rationale behind the draft. The operation of DSO networks entails specific complexities, especially as DSO networks move from a wholly demanddominated model to one where generation and demand have to be balanced to some extent. The proposals hereby presented build on DSOs experience with network operation, connectionofanincreasingnumberofgeneratorsatHV,MVandLVgridsanddevelopmentofthe relatedconnectionrulesatnationallevel. Thepaperseekstoprovideanexplanationofthetermcrossbordernetworkissue.EURELECTRIC DSOsbelievethatinordertocomplywiththegoalsoftheThirdEnergyPackage,todealefficiently with issues affecting crossborder trade, the EU network code for grid connection of generators shouldstrictlyandexclusivelyfocusonissuesthataredirectlycrossborderones.Theconceptof crossborder network issue should be understood as the ensemble of effects related to characteristicsoftheelectricsystem,whetherdynamicorstatic,wherealocaleventoraccident cantriggeracrossbordersystemrisk. An explanation is given as to how the size and the characteristics of various types of generators affect their role in the European power system with respect to various system variables. System parameterslistedintheACERframeworkguidelinearearelevantpartoftheEUnetworkcodebut for technical reasons not all of them have to be applied at the EU level to all sizes of generators. Crossborder impact of small generators connected to distribution networks is limited to frequencymanagement.Hence,substantialreductionofrequirementsforsmallgeneratorsandto certainextentalsomediumsizeplantsisproposed.Otherissuesshouldbekeptintheframework oftechnicalstandardsandgridconnectionrulesatnationallevel,withduerespecttotheprinciples of subsidiarity andproportionality. In this way,possible benefits of harmonisationwith respect to crossborderissuescouldbemaximisedanddifficultieswithdifferentlocalgriddesignsavoided. The report also underlines that compliance of the smaller facilities should be ensured by guaranteesoffered by manufacturers or vendors throughtypetesting based on standards (with engagementofindependentcertificators),complementedinsomecaseswithtestingandchecking before connection. Preferably, the process for testing and checking is to be defined according to existingstandardsandnationalrules. Lastbutnotleast,emphasisisputontheindepthassociationofDSOs,asoperatorsofnetworks towhichmostofthenewgeneratorswillbeconnectedincomingyears,duetothefactthateven for crossborder issues acrosstheboard distribution grid design solutions are not always available. There are numerous technical requirements for connection to distribution networks, as wellasassociatedcommercial,legalandregulatoryimplications.Inaddition,thesignificantnumber of connected customers calls for approaches susceptible to being efficiently applied in potentially millionsofindividualcases.DSOexpertiseisessentialinthisrespect. EURELECTRIC DSOs, as members of the DSO Expert Group (consisting of EURELECTRIC, CEDEC & GEODE), therefore ask for close cooperation with TSOs in the drafting of this and the upcoming codesinordertoensureasuccessfuloutcomeoftheprocessinduetime.

Introduction
As emerges from the Third EnergyPackage, network codes are meantto lay down European widebindingrulesforelectricitywholesalemarkets,systemoperationandgridconnection.As requestedbytheHeadsofStateintheFebruary2011EuropeanCouncil,theemphasisshallfall on framework guidelines and network codes necessary to implement the target model of the Europeanelectricitymarketby2014.ENTSOEistheprimarilyresponsiblepartyfordraftingthe networkcodes,whilstACERisassignedtoprovideframework. ENTSOE recently released a new version of its working draft Network Code on Connection Requirements Applicable to All Generators that is together with other foreseen technical networkcodesforgridconnectionandsystemoperationconsideredessentialtofacilitatethe functioningoftheinternalelectricitymarket.SincethepreviousversionreleasedinMarch2011, the document has been adjusted in accordance with the final ACER Framework Guidelines issuedbyACERon20July2011.EURELECTRICwarmlywelcomesthesubstantialchangerelated to the application of the network codes requirements to existing plants (retrofitting issue) beingnolongermandatorybutconditionaltoapriorpositivecostbenefitanalysisatnational level. Nevertheless, EURELECTRIC DSOs as network operators would like to address their prevailing concerns about the scope, the structure and the philosophy of the working draft before the codeentersthepublicconsultationplannedbytheendofJanuary2012.Eventhoughtheshare ofdistributedgenerationinEuropeisontheriseandthatmostofthenewgenerators(bothin numberandcapacity)areduetobeconnectedtodistributionnetworksinthecomingyears,it mustbenoticedthattheoverallstructureoftherequirementshasbeendesignedwithoutprior coordination with DSOs. Similarly, very few comments raised by DSO experts in the process havebeentakenonboardinthenewlyreleasedversionofthecode. Until recently, DSOs have distributed power on a topdown basis. With more and more generation capacities connected to their grids, their role will increasingly move beyond their traditionalroleofbuildingandconnectingtowardsconnectingandmanaging1.Inorderto managethedistributionsystemandtocontributetothestabilityofthetransmissiongrid,DSOs willplayadifferentrole,likesupportingbalancingofloadandgenerationandinthesmartgrids perspective, possibly influencing dispatching distributed generation or managing voltage regulation,andifnecessary,usingancillaryservicesforgeneratorsconnectedtotheirgrid. Structure, protection and automation systems as well as operation of distribution networks (especiallyatMVandLVlevel)arecompletelydifferentfromtransmissionnetworks.Andunlike transmission networks, which are relatively similar to each other, distribution networks may varywithrespecttoDSOandgriddesign.Hence,issuesraisedbydistributedgenerationdiffer fromtheonesrelatedtogeneratorsconnectedtotransmission.Thenumberoftheseplantsand of customers/producers is also much higher, and the capabilities of the generating facility operatorarewidelydiverse,rangingfromhouseholdtenantstoindustrialoperators.Forthese reasons, simply extending concepts used in transmission with large scale generation to distributionnetworksisusuallynotthebestsolution.
The network code should thus cover only the necessary subset of requirements for distributed generation.ThispaperaimsatexplainingthemainpointsthatfromEURELECTRICDSOperspective should be considered by the responsible bodies in order to ensure the successful outcome of the networkcodedevelopmentprocessinduetime.
1

EURELECTRIC10StepstoSmartGrids,http://www.eurelectric.org/10StepsTosmartGrids/ 3

1.Whatisacrossbordernetworkissue?
The interpretation of the term crossborder network issue is central in understanding the objectivesoftheEuropeannetworkcodes.Crossbordernetworkissuesandmarketintegration issues for which the network codes should be developed are not precisely defined by the Regulation(EC)714/2009.Thatleavesroomforvariousinterpretationsoftheterm. ENTSOEProposal: Consideringthatanytwocomponentsintheelectricsystemcanpotentiallyinteractwitheach other, ENTSOE interpretation includes not only any technical event on the interconnected network,whetherindistributionortransmission,butalsoanyusageofthisnetworkthatcould have technical or commercial consequences somewhere. According to this logic, all the requirements[includedinthedraft]haveasystemwideimpact.2Inaddition,thecurrentdraft callsforEUlevelharmonisationoftechnicalstandardsinordertoachievecostefficienciesand tofacilitatemarketsforequipment. EURELECTRICDSOsPosition: Theconceptofcrossborderissue/effectshouldbestrictlyunderstoodasacharacteristicofa networkcomponent,orconnectedapparatus,thatallowsacommonmodeactionorreaction to a network disturbance to propagate across borders to a significant fraction of the total system,adverselyandseriouslyaffectingthatfraction.Inotherwords,crossborderissuesare theensembleofeffectsrelatedtocharacteristicsoftheelectricsystem,whetherdynamicor static,wherealocaleventoraccidenttriggersacrossbordersystemrisk. Thefollowingexamplesattempttoclarifythisprinciple. Crossborderissue:Frequencymanagement
Thefrequencyoftheelectricalsystemisthesameforallusersconnected(inEurope,frequencyis typically maintained at 50 Hz)and the system can onlyfunction withinacertainfrequency range. When generation exceeds consumption, power system frequency will increase and insufficient generationtomeetdemandwillresultinfallingfrequency.Largefrequencydeviationscouldcause crossborderdisturbancesasthetotalamountofgenerationwithinthesynchronousarea,including bothlargegeneratorsanddistributedgeneration,wouldbepotentiallyaffected.Thiscouldresultin severedamagetogeneratingequipment,disturbanceofsupply,etc.Europeanrequirementsforall types of generators (including those connected at distribution level) are thus needed in order to ensurethesecurityofthewholesystemandcontinuityofsupply.

Nevertheless, DSOs should be allowed to adapt the frequency range in which the generator operates in the case when only distribution networks are affected. Possibility to increase sensitivityofsocalledInterfaceProtectionRelay(IPR)incaseoffaultsonaMVfeedertoavoid islandoperationofapartofthenetworkisatypicalexample.

SeeENTSOEPilotNetworkCodeforRequirementsforGridConnectionApplicabletoAllGeneratorsFAQ,Answer toFAQno.6.

Typicallynoncrossborderissue:Voltagemanagement Maintaining voltage stability is essential to keep the electric system in good order. Voltage controlisessentialtokeepthevoltageinsidethecontractualrangeforcustomers.However,itis a variable with a much smaller range of influence than frequency. Only very large generation facilities directly connected to high voltage feeder can exert a notable effect across borders. Voltage influence fades across long distance feeders, and through different voltage network levels. Inaddition,thereisnoEuropeanwidevoltagecommonmode.Thecriticalityofagivenfacility contributiontovoltagestabilityishighlydependentonthelocalnetworkconditionsandlocal balancing. And in most cases, it is subject to possible tradeoff with local network reinforcements. Thisimpliesthatsomerequirementsmustbespecifiedwithaseveritydirectlyconditionedby thelocalnetworksituationandthesignificance(sizeandvoltageconnection)ofthefacility. Therefore,itiswisetosetvoltagemanagementrequirementsforlargefacilitiesconnectedto highlevelvoltageintheEuropeannetworkcode.However,forsmallerfacilitiesitissufficientto request that requirements are set at national level while taking into account the diversity of possiblesystemsituationsinordertoachievemaximumefficiency. Allinall,theEUnetworkcodeforgridconnectionofgeneratorsshouldexclusivelyfocuson issuesthataredirectlycrossborderonesandwhichcouldnotbeattainedwithoutregulation attheEUlevel. Other issues should be kept in the framework of technical standards and existing and well functioning grid connection rules at national level, with due respect to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. The political intention to be derived from the Third Package legislation to deal efficiently with issues affecting crossborder trade, must be correctly addressedinthenetworkcode.

2.Varioustypesofgenerators,variousrolesinEuropeanpowersystems
ENTSOEProposal: ENTSOE classifies generators according to size and, as far as certain requirements are concerned,accordingtotheirtechnologicalcharacteristics(synchronous,asynchronousmodular etc.)andintrinsiccapabilities. Manyoftheproposedrequirementsdealindetailwiththeperformanceofgeneratorswhoare DSO customers and that often have limited impact beyond given distribution network and, in mostcases,nocrossborderimpact. EURELECTRICDSOsPosition: EURELECTRIC DSOs agree that the achievement of the 2020 targets requires simple and pragmaticprocessforconnectionofrenewablegeneratorstothesystemandloweringbarriers ofentrytothebusiness.However,consideringthelargeamountofrenewablepowerthatwill be connected to the network, TSOs and DSOs all over Europe must be able to foresee their behaviourinrelationtotheircriticalityforthesystem. TheprincipleofclassificationusedbyENTSOEisexcellentandnecessarytofittherequirements tocapabilitiesinherenttosometechnologiesandtokeepthematanappropriatelevelofdetail and organisation. However, it should not be used to unnecessarily extend the requirements beyondissuesthataredirectlycrossborder. Generator categories should be defined according to generator size considering the possible role and impact of each category on the system. Size of the generation facility represents an importantcriterionwhenrelatedtovariousparameters/variables. OurproposedclassificationasoutlinedbelowisthusclosetotheoneproposedbyENTSOE,or evensimpler.Consideringthatthereisnoneedtoregulatefacilitiesthatarehardlynoticeable from the network, we set a minimum capacity of 1kW for type A facilities. The capacity threshold between type A and type B facilities in Continental Europe and Baltic synchronous areaswasextendedto1MWbecausenostrongargumentinfavourofanimportantdifference betweensynchronousareaswasidentifiedinouranalysis. Moreover,wetakeintoaccounttherevisedunderstandingofthecrossborderissueconcept withrespecttoeachcategory. TypeA Generatorsconnectedtolowandmediumvoltagelevelwithafacilitycapacitybetween1kW and1MW. Characteristics: Thesegeneratorsarealwaysconnectedatdistributionlevel(exceptionallyattransmission). There are already millions of generators of this type connected in Europe. In many cases therearealsoconsumersonthesamepremises.Theoperatorofthefacilityhasnoelectro technical background and is not even familiar with the idea and implications of being an operator.Itsfacilityisoperatedontheconnectandforgetbasis.

Crossborderimpact: Thecrossborderimpactisonlyrelatedtofrequencymanagementsincethisvariableisby naturenotborderbound.Therequirementsforthesegeneratorsarebasedontheaddand donotharmthesystemprinciple.ThustheonlyrequirementpertinentatEuropeanlevelis thecapabilityofsuchfacilitiestosupportawidefrequencyrangeincaseofdisturbance.All otherrequirementsshouldbesetatnationallevel. TypeB Generatorsconnectedatmediumvoltagelevelwithafacilitycapacitybetween1MWand10 MW. Characteristics: TheyaremostlyDSOcustomers.Theyarenumerous(thousandstotensofthousands)and the facility operator is aware of being an operator even though he is not necessarily an electrotechnicalspecialist. Crossborderimpact: SameasfortypeA. Forthemoment,therearenoimportantdifferencesbetweenrequirementsfortypesAand BpertinentatEuropeanlevel. TypeC Generatorsconnectedatmediumtohighvoltagelevelwithafacilitycapacityabove10MW. Characteristics: They are DSO or TSO customers depending on the organization of the national electric system. They are numerous (thousands) and the facility operator is aware of being an operator and mostly holds electrotechnical expertise, but frequently relies on manufacturersskillsasregardsthecapabilitiesofitsmachines. Crossborderimpact: Their crossborder impact is related to frequency management since this variable is by naturenotborderbound.Therequirementsforthesegeneratorsarebasedonthedonot harm the system and offer limited support in case of disturbance principle. The requirements pertinent at European level concern the capability of those facilities to support a wide frequency range and to offer regulating capacity to support the system frequencyincaseofdisturbance. TypeD Generatorsconnectedathightoveryhighvoltagewithpotentiallyunlimitedcapacity. Characteristics: TheyareTSOandsometimesDSOcustomersdependingontheorganizationofthenational electric system. They are rather numerous (hundreds to thousands) and they represent mostofthegenerationcapacityintheexistingsystem.Thefacilityoperatorholdselectro technicalexpertiseandoftenexertsastronginfluenceontheinitialideaofthefacilityand itscapabilities.Thiscategoryincludestheoffshorefacilitiesregardlessoftheirpower.

Crossborderimpact: Some of the most important facilities can exert an influence on system stability directly acrossbordersnotonlyforfrequencymanagementbutpossiblyalsoforothervariables.The requirements for these generators follow the do not harm the system, offer extended supportfor thedefenceofsystemintegrityincaseofdisturbanceandprovidecapacityto restorethesystemafterlargescaleincidentprinciple.Anextendedsetofrequirementsis probablypertinentatEuropeanlevel. EURELECTRIC DSOs believe that this classification is fully in line with the ACER Framework Guidelinesthatexplicitlyaskfordefinitionofrequirementsforsignificantgriduserswithrespect toparameterslistedinsection2.1.ThesesystemparametersshouldbepartoftheEUnetwork code but only for types of generators for which they are generally relevant with respect to crossborder impact. Table 1 outlines crossborder impact of various system parameters in relationtogenerationtypes. Forinstance,whilethecategoryA&Bgeneratorscrossborderimpact(andthussignificance)is only related to frequency management, other parameters that have crossborder impact in relationtolargegeneratorsarenotrelevantattheEUlevelfortypesA&Bandthusshouldnot bepartofthenetworkcode.Ontheotherhand,largegenerators(typeD)canhaveanimpact onsystemstabilityalsoforothervariables,suchasvoltagestabilityorinertia. Table1:Crossborderimpactofvarioussystemparametersinrelationtogenerationtypes
Parameterslistedin theFG TypeA LV/MV (1kW1MW) TypeD TypeB TypeC EHV MV HV unlimited (1MW >10MW 10MW) Yes Yes Yes Yes Limited Limited Extended Extendedresponse response& response& response& withload automatic automatic automatic frequencycontrol disconnection disconnection disconnection NoCross border Impact NoCross border impact NoCross border impact NoCross border impact NoCross border Impact NoCross border Impact NoCross border impact NoCross border impact NoCross border impact NoCross border Impact Yes

Frequency management

Voltage&reactive powermanagement Loadfrequencycontrol

NoCross borderImpact NoCross borderImpact NoCross borderimpact NoCross borderimpact NoCross borderImpact

Yes

Shortcircuitcurrent

NoCrossborder impact NoCrossborder impact Yes

Requirementsfor protectiondevices& settings Faultridethrough capability

SincetheyareimportantattheRelevantNetworkOperatorlevel,otherrequirementsfortypes A,B&Csuchasvoltagelevelvariations,voltagewaveshape(harmonics,flickers,shortduration interruptionetc.)grounding,signalqualityandfaultridethroughshouldrelyonregulationsthat areprovenandefficient,mostlyatnationallevelandontheuseofstandards. AstheshareofvariableRESindistributiongridsincreases,DSOswillneedmoretoolstomanage their grids from distributed generators. However, with respect to type A & B, frequency response represents the essential requirements needed at European level. Requirements for otherfunctions,andifnecessaryancillaryservices,shouldbesetwithinvolvementofDSOsin thenationalgridcodesandregulations. Tosumup,connectionrulesfordistributiongridsdonotneedtobelifteduptotheEuropean level, except when there is a direct crossborder impact. Reviewing (rewriting, consultation, publication) of existing (or, when necessary, under development) national or local regulations thatalreadyaccuratelyaddressthetopicswouldhaveminimalpositiveimpactontheinternal marketandonqualityofsupplyforcustomers,bothusersandproducers.Furthermore,itwould createlegaluncertaintyandrisksresultingfromthenecessitytoaligndetailedEuropeanwide rules with national rules which must necessarily provide all details for safe operation of the systemindaytodayoperation.Asaresult,theglobalqualityofthesystemwouldbereduced (highercosts,lowerperformances). Therefore,EURELECTRICDSOspropose: to significantly reduce the scope of requirements for smaller facilities (A&B) and substantiallyformediumsize(C); tolimitEuropeanlevelrequirementsconcerningcapabilitiestoofferancillaryservices toequipmentsconnectedtohighvoltagelevel(D)especiallyforancillaryservicesnot relatedtofrequency.Withnoprejudiceforrequirementsatnationallevel. In addition, requirements must be expressed functionally at connection point with the relevantNetworkOperatorandapplytogeneratingfacilitiesratherthantogeneratingunits. The operator of the generation facility should be responsible for transposing the constraints expressedatconnectionpointtogenerationunits. Expressingrequirementsatunitlevelshouldbeacceptedonlyifreallynecessary,forinstancein thecasewhenspecificcapabilitiesattheunitlevelarealsoneededinadditiontothoseatthe connectionpointinordertoensurethatthefacilityasawholemeetsagivenrequirement,and notasatooltorefineandincreasetherequirements.

3.Varioustypesofgenerators,variouswaystoensurecompliance
Methods to test and monitor compliance of generation facilities also vary in relation to generationtype. StateoftheArt: FortypesA&Bconnectedmostlytodistributiongrids,theprimaryresponsibilityforcompliance with requirements is on the generator side in most countries. Documentation including verificationofcomplianceissubmittedbythegeneratortotheRelevantNetworkOperatorasa partofthegridconnectionprocess.DSOsthencanmonitorcomplianceandparticipateinthe testingalthoughtheydonotbearlegalresponsibilityforaccuracyofthecompliance. Testingbynetworkoperatorandsimulationisusedmostlyonlyforlargerunitsconnectedtothe transmissiongridandisinapplicableondistributionnetworksduetothenumberofgenerators. ENTSOEProposal: The working draft lays down provisions for compliance testing and simulations of all types of generators and the obligation for the relevant network operator to regularly assess the complianceofageneratingunitwiththerequirementsunderthenetworkcodethroughoutthe lifetimeofthepowergeneratingfacility. EURELECTRICDSOsPosition: DuetoenormousnumberofconnectionsatMVandLVlevelinmanycountries,itisimpossible forDSOstoperformanycompliancetestswiththeexceptionofcommissioningones.Inorder toavoidcostlyandlengthyproceduresinthecaseofsmallergenerationfacilities,thecurrent best practices should be reflected. Generator capabilities should be assessed through type tests, performed according to well defined testing procedures, in laboratories accredited by EA (European Cooperation for Accreditation) (EN 17025). Type tests shall be included in productstandardscompliantwiththerequirementsofthenetworkcode. Specifically,weproposethefollowingprocedureswithrespecttodifferentcategories. TypeA The compliance should be ensured by guarantees (e.g. certificates of compliance) given by manufacturers or vendors through type testing based on standards. Type tests must be performed in accredited laboratories, with reference to existing product standards or to connection standards tests. For cases of need, DSOs should be given the option (not an obligation)tomonitorthecomplianceafterconnection. TypeB The compliance should be ensured by guarantees offered by manufacturers through type testing based on standards, like category A, possibly completed with testing and checking beforeconnection.Theprocessfortestingandcheckingistobepreferentiallydefinedaccording to existing standards and national grid codes and must be limited to main generation plant performances.
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TypeC Verification of compliance shall rest on guarantees offered by manufacturers through type testingand/orstandardsandnationalgridcodes,usuallywithsometestingbeforeconnection and/orsimulation.Theprocessfortestingandcheckingistobepreferentiallydefinedaccording toexistingstandards.Ifthisisnotpossible,itshouldbedefinedatnationallevel. TypeD Verification of compliance shall rest on guarantees offered by manufacturers through type testingand/orstandards,plustestingandsimulationbeforeconnectionpossiblywithperiodical checks.Theprocessfortestingandcheckingistobepreferentiallydefinedaccordingtoexisting standardsandnationalgridcodes. Thecompliance&simulationchaptersofthedraftcodeshouldbeadjustedtotakeintoaccount thenecessitytorelyonstandardsand/orqualificationprocedures.

4.Anopenandevolutionaryprocessratherthanastateoftheartdocument
Thecurrentworkingdraftdescribesverypreciselythevariablesonwhichtherequirementsare basedorthevaluespanforthosevariablesandthewaycompliancetestingandsimulationisto becarriedoutasoutlinedabove. EURELECTRICDSOsposition: Theproposeddocumentmightbeoutdatedbeforeitisenforcedsinceitaddressesaverybroad area of performances, with a restricted knowledge of the constraints and possibilities of distribution networks. Considering the rapidly evolving organisation of the European electric system, the network codes must be formulated in a flexible way that sets principles for functionalities,butisopentofuturedevelopmentsanddesignedforsmoothimplementationat nationallevel. EURELECTRICDSOsthusrecommendthat the present document is limited to essential issues. Other issues are already very well reflected in existing national regulation (or in regulation to be developed before the networkcodecomesintoforce); the maintenance and amendment process should be clarified and at best explicitly includedinthecode; any maintenance should fully respect solutions that had already been implemented as longastheyareinlinewiththeneeds.

5.IndepthinvolvementofDSOstofurtherrevisionofthedocument
Asoutlinedinsection1,frequencymanagementisundoubtedlyacrossborderissue.Extending the frequency range in which the generation facilities connected to distribution grids can operateisnecessaryformaintainingfrequencystability.However,thefollowingexampleofsafe operation rules demonstrates that no easy across the board standardised solutions for actual settingsofthesmallgenerationfacilitiesthatcouldbeappliedinallcountriesareinplaceyet.
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Therefore,DSOexpertiseshouldbefullyincludedintheongoingdevelopmentanddraftingof thenetworkcode. EXAMPLE:SafeOperationRules Conflictsmayarisefromincompatibilityofworksafetyrulesandadoptionoffunctionalitiesfor system security reasons. Disconnecting all power sources in case of an incident (or before plannedmaintenance)isoneofthefirstgoldenrulesinpreventionofelectricalriskforpersons in network operations. This function is most of the time performed by protection devices programmedtotripifsomevariables,likefrequency,areoutofsetboundaries.Withrespectto the high safety risks, obligations binding networks operators with very strong individual responsibilitiesarelaiddowninvariousdocuments(i.e.nationalgridcodes,labourlegislation). But from asystem security point of view, as endorsed by the proposal, a simple and efficient option is to ask for machines and protections to remain connected through a wider band of frequencyinordertopreventrelativelysmallincidentsfromspreadingintolargescaleones. Whilethesafetyruleistotripincaseofanyincident,thedecisivefactorforsecurityofsupplyis to remain connected. However, proposed moderation of protection systems by weakening frequency and voltage based protection settings could lead to an unacceptable increase of electricalriskindistributionnetworksinsomecountries,dependingontheadoptedprotection strategy and type of generation. If implemented without due care, the requirements could under certain circumstances (e.g. islanded operation) cause damage to generators and consumerappliances. Requirements with implications for protection settings at the grid connection point for the generatorsconnectedtoLVandMVnetworksmayinsomecountriesraisetechnicalissueswith important technical, legal or financial consequences for DSOs. Abiding the wider frequency rangerequirementswithoutanyprecautioncouldresultinstrongadverseeffectsonthequality andoperationalsafetytowhichDSOsarelegallyandfinanciallycommittedintheirdaytoday operation. EURELECTRICDSOsposition: Althoughfrequencyrequirementsareneededtoaddresscrossborderissues,potentiallyrobust adverse effects on functions, such as protections using frequency variation in their activation routines,needtobetakenintoaccount.Asuitablesolutionhastobefoundinordertoenable DSOstofulfiltheirrequirementstoensurethequalityandsafetyofnetworksoperation. Therefore,itisessentialthatDSOsarefullyincludedinthefuturedevelopmentanddraftingof thenetworkcodesothatthefinaldraftiscompatiblewithexistingandfutureDSOpracticesfor bothdemandandgeneration.

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