Grid connection codes ‘key’ in scaling renewables – IRENA expert

Grid codes need to reflect a balance between cost and reliability, says IRENA’s RE Markets and Standards Analyst Francisco Boshell.

In a presentation at Enlit Europe, Boshell said the grid connection code is key in maintaining the security of supply with the integration and scaling of new renewable technologies.

However, trends such as decentralisation, electrification and digitalisation are “pushing the boundaries” of the technical requirements of grid codes, for example around the controllability of distributed resources and the new communications interfaces as well as new assets such as storage.

Thus in developing the technical requirements, all the different actors in the system need to be engaged, said Boshell.

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“This is important because the technical requirements also have an impact on the cost of implementing the technologies. If we make the requirements too stringent that will put additional and unnecessary costs on the technologies. On the other hand, if the requirements are too loose, then the cost will be much lower but the security of supply might be put in peril.

“We need to strike the right balance and for that open discussion with all the actors is important to counterbalance those two aspects, cost and reliability.”

Boshell notes that when IRENA provides recommendations on grid codes, it is important to indicate that learnings may be had from frontrunner countries but also it is necessary to do one’s own homework to tailor the requirements to the local needs.

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In terms of issues that need to be considered, an important one is the expected share of renewables in the system on different timescales.

Others are the new ancillary services and new standards requirements envisaged, while another is the need for security to prevent cyberattacks.

Coupled with this, ensuring compliance with the code is key to its implementation.

“The goal must be to enable faster adoption of variable renewable energies to ensure that high shares of these technologies can be integrated into systems,” said Boshell.

He adds that grid codes also can provide a framework for the regional integration of electricity markets, such as in Europe.