Grid connection covers all the issues to establish and maintain a physical connection between the transmission and / or distribution grid and the gr id users. Grid connection is used as a synonym for network connection, which is one of the areas for a network code according to Article 8(6) (b) of Regulation (EC) 714/2009.      

        

The objective of European rules on grid connection is to develop a harmonised electricity grid connection regime that will support a more efficient and secure system operation (particularly important in the context of an increasing penetration of intermittent generation) and will contribute to creating a level-playing field for competition in Europe.       

        

The network code on requirements for grid connection of generators (NC RfG) entered into force on 17 May 2016. It is binding and directly applicable in all Member States as Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/631. 

With the exception of Article 30, the requirements of the NC RfG shall not apply to the power-generating modules (PGMs) classified as an emerging technology, in accordance with the procedures set out in Title VI of the NC RfG and, in particular, Articles 66-70. Article 69 of the NC RfG requires that the relevant NRA decides, by 17 May 2017, in coordination with all the other NRAs of a synchronous area, which PGMs, if any, should be classified as an emerging technology. 

For information on how NRAs implemented the transitional arrangements for emerging technologies in Title VI of the NC RfG please refer to the ACER’s Implementation Monitoring Report of the Network Code on Requirements for Grid Connection of Generators. Moreover, the NRAs agreed to publish, every two months, the accumulated sales (expressed in MW) of power-generating modules classified as emerging technology on ACER webpage. 
  

        

The network code on demand connection entered into force on 07 September 2016. It is binding and directly applicable in all Member States as Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1388.       

        

The network code on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems and direct current-connected power park modules entered into force on 28 September May 2016. It is binding and directly applicable in all Member States as Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1477.      

        

All three network codes provide Member States three years from the date of their publication in the Official Journal of the EU to implement the requirements, save for a handful of requirements that become applicable sooner.