European Connection Network Codes
The European Connection Network Codes (CNCs) are a set of common rules for the connection of users to the European transmission system. They were drafted by the ENTSO-E with guidance from ACER in accordance with Regulation (EU) 714/2009 guiding lines and they form a corner stone of the 3rd energy package in terms of the harmonization and integration of a single European electricity market and the achievement of the energy goals of the European Union.
The CNCs were submitted for approval and voted by the EU parliament, forming thus Regulations (EU). As such, they are binding, they prevail over any pre-existing National regulatory framework and their implementation is mandatory by all EU Member States.
The CNCs were integrated into the European regulatory framework with the following three Regulations (EU):
- Regulation (EU) 2016/631 of 14th of April 2016 “establishing a network code on Requirements for grid connection of Generators” (“Requirements for Generators”, NC-RfG)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/1388 of 17th of August 2016 “establishing a network code on Demand Connection” (“Demand Connection Code”, NC-DCC)
- Regulation (ΕΕ) 2016/1447 of 26th of August 2016 establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems and direct current-connected power park modules » (“High Voltage Direct Current Connections”, NC-HVDC)
The Transmission System Operator and the National Regulatory Authority are the entities granted powers for the implementation of these Regulations.
What is the Network Code Requirements for Generators
The Network Code “Requirements for Generators” (NC-RfG) specifies minimum technical and operational requirements of “general application” that any generator and any power generating facility connected to the interconnected transmission system or distribution network should comply, regardless from the technology or the primary energy source been used.
Public consultations
For the implementation of NC-RfG requirements in the Hellenic power system IPTO conducted two public consultations.
The first consultation took place between 17-11-2017 and 18-12-2017 and concerned the definition of the maximum capacity thresholds for determining the category of significance of power generators.
The second consultation took place between 05-03-2019 and 08-04-2019 and concerned the application of NC-RfG requirements for any category of significance of power generators.
Entry into force and subject matter
The requirements of NC-RfG are mandatory for any generator and any power generating facility that is connected to the interconnected transmission system or distribution network after May 18, 2018 except cases where the power generating facility owner has concluded a final and binding contract for the purchase of the main generating plant before that date and has notify the relevant system operator of conclusion of the contract before November 18, 2018.
The requirements of NC-RfG do not apply to generators and power generating facilities that were connected to the interconnected transmission system or distribution network before May 18th, 2018 or to generators and power generating facilities at the non-interconnected with the mainland system islands.
IPTO's proposals on the requirements of general application of Regulation (EU) 631/2016 were approved by the National Regulating Authority with the Decision RAE 1165/2020 (Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic B’ 3757 of 07.09.2020).
More details about the NC-RfG may be found at the official ENTSOe site in the link: https://www.entsoe.eu/network_codes/rfg/
What is the Demand Connection Code
The Network Code “Demand Connection Code” (NC-DCC) specifies minimum technical and operational requirements of “general application” that any demand facility, distribution facility, distribution system and closed distribution system connected to the interconnected transmission system should comply. The requirements of NC-DCC also apply to any demand unit connected at a demand facility or a closed distribution system to provide demand response services, provided that the demand facility or the closed distribution system is connected to the interconnected transmission system.
Public consultations
For the implementation of the requirements of NC-DCC in the Hellenic power system, IPTO conducted a public consultation between 03-07-2019 and 05-08-2019.
Entry into force and subject matter
The requirements of NC-DCC are mandatory for any demand facility, distribution facility, distribution system or closed distribution system that is connected to the interconnected transmission system after September 7, 2018 except cases where the demand facility owner, the DSO, or the CDSO has concluded a final and binding contract for the purchase of the main equipment before that date and has notify the TSO of the conclusion of the contract before March 7, 2019.
The NC-DCC requirements also apply to any demand units that are connected to a demand facility or a closed distribution system to provide demand response services after September 7, 2018, provided that the demand facility or the closed distribution system is connected to the transmission system. An exception is the case where the demand unit owner has concluded a final and binding contract for the purchase of the main demand unit equipment before that date and has notify the TSO of the conclusion of the contract after March 7, 2019.
The NC-DCC requirements do not apply to demand facilities, distribution facilities, distribution networks and closed distribution networks that were connected to the interconnected transmission system before September 7h, 2018 as well as to demand facilities, distribution facilities, distribution networks and closed distribution networks at the non-interconnected with the mainland system islands.
The NC-DCC requirements do not apply to demand units that were connected to demand facilities or closed distribution systems before September 7h, 2018 or to demand units at the non-interconnected with the mainland system islands.
IPTO's proposals on the requirements of general application of Regulation (EU) 1388/2016 were approved with the Decision RAE 1166/2020 (Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic B’ 3698 of 03.09.2020).
More details about NC-DCC may be found at the official ENTSOe site in the link: https://www.entsoe.eu/network_codes/dcc/
What is the Network Code on High Voltage Direct Current Connections
The Network Code on “High Voltage Direct Current Connections” specifies minimum technical and operational requirements of “general application” that any high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system connecting two or more transmission systems at different synchronous or control areas, any HVDC system connecting two or more transmission systems at the same synchronous or control area (embedded system), and any HVDC system or any remote-end converter station that connects a DC connected power park module with the interconnected transmission system should apply.
Public consultations
To implement NC-HVDC requirements in the Hellenic power system, IPTO launched a public consultation that took place between 11-10-2019 and 11-11-2019.
Entry into force and subject matter
The requirements of NC-HVDC are mandatory for any HVDC system or DC connected power park remote end converter that is connected to the interconnected transmission system after September 28, 2018 except cases where the HVDC system owner or DC-connected power park module owner has concluded a final and binding contract for the purchase of the main generating plant or HVDC equipment before that date and has notify the relevant system operator and relevant TSO of conclusion of the contract before March 28, 2019.
The requirements of the NC-HVDC do not apply to HVDC systems or remote end converters of DC connected power parks that were connected to the interconnected transmission system before September 28h, 2018 or to HVDC systems and remote end converters at the non-interconnected with the mainland system islands.
IPTO's proposals on the requirements of general application of Regulation (EU) 1447/2016 were approved with the Decision RAE 1167/2020 (Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic B’ 3762 of 07.09.2020).
More details about NC-HVDC may be found at the official ENTSOe site in the link: https://www.entsoe.eu/network_codes/hvdc/
