Network Code

Future standards for grid model exchange

16.09.2016

In order to meet the requirements of transmission system operators (TSOs) in terms of data exchange and network codes, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) is constantly striving to improve its data exchange format. In doing so, ENTSO-E conducted its sixth common information model interoperability test from 11 to 15 July at the network’s premises in Brussels, Belgium, in cooperation with 43 participants from TSOs, power suppliers and universities. The common information model for grid model exchange is meant to facilitate the exchange of data necessary for regional or pan-European grid development studies and for future processes related to network codes.

On 15 September, ENTSO-E has published its report on the interoperability test “Common Information Model for System Development and Operations 2016”. The test’s prime goal was to validate the data basis of the new version of ENTSO-E’s data exchange format (“ENTSO-E Common Grid Model Exchange Specification”). The format is based on standards set by the “International Electrotechnical Commission”. Grid model exchange is a complex process that covers a vast variety of use cases. Therefore the interoperability test involved a large number of products. The long-term objective of the periodic testing is the development of ENTSO-E’s own data exchange standard (“ENTSO-E Common Grid Model Exchange Standard”).

During the interoperability assessment ENTSO-E presented different new features of the “Common Grid Model Exchange Specification”. These extensions have become necessary mainly due to new obligations and business processes from a European network code perspective. The outcome of the successfully completed interoperability test meets the expectations of the participants. Detailed results and summaries are presented in ENTSO-E’s comprehensive report listing the specific test case files.

> See ENTSO-E press release (html)

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Code in the renewables

28.04.2016

The European Commission has published the second of eight network codes in the “Official Journal of the European Union” on 14 April 2016 (Comission Regulation 2016/631: “Establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of generators”).

The network code provides harmonised rules for connecting to the grid that will become legally binding in all member states of the EU on 17 May 2016. It is of special interest for suppliers of renewable energy as it sets a framework of operational requirements and obligations that will make it easier especially for renewables to connect to the grid system.

Konstantin Staschus, Secretary-General of the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) highly appreciates the regulation as a “great success for all the EU institutions” and as a reward for all those being involved in the process of taking “the electricity system a step forward in the renewables’ age”.

> See ENTSO-E press release (html)

> Visit European Union law webpage, different languages (html)

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First Network Code adopted

27.07.2015

The European Union (EU) published its guideline on Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management (CACM) in the Official Journal. The CACM guideline is the first of the ten network codes to have completed the full legal process. It is expected to contribute to the continued decarbonisation of Europe’s economy.

Peder Andreasen, President of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), emphasised the crucial role European transmission system operators (TSOs) have “played in pulling this law through”. In a press release issued today, TSC member APG, the Austrian TSO, welcomes the CACM guideline as a “vital component on our way to an integrated European energy market”.

> See ENTSO-E press release (html)

> See APG press release (html, in German)

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