A GUIDE TO Connecting Renewable and CHP Electricity Generators to the Electricity Network A Guide to Connecting Renewable and CHP Electricity Generators to the Electricity Network October 2008 Guide prepared for Sustainable Energy Ireland by: Econnect Ireland Copyright © 2008 Sustainable Energy Ireland All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Sustainable Energy Ireland. 1 of 96 Disclaimer While the authors consider that the information given in this work is sound, all parties must rely upon their own skill and judgement when making use of it. The authors do not make any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Guide and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information. The authors will not assume any liability to anyone for any loss or damage arising out of the provision of this Guide. This Guide describes the connection process for renewable and CHP generators in place at the time of writing. However, the connection process is subject to change. The reader should be aware that in the event of any discrepancy between this Guide and the requirements of the CER or system operators, the requirements of the CER or system operators shall prevail. While this Guide has been produced with the guidance from ESB Networks, EirGrid and the CER it is not a definitive interpretation of the connection offer process. Acknowledgements This Guide has been produced with assistance from ESB Networks, EirGrid and the CER. The authors also wish to acknowledge that this Guide has been based on a UK document ‘A Technical Guide for Connection of Embedded Generators to the Distribution Network’ produced by Econnect and ILEX Associates, 1998 for Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). Assistance from IBEC’s CHP Ireland and Renewables Working Groups, Meitheal na Gaoithe, SES-ie, Irish Bioenergy Association, Irish Hydropower Association, MEGA, IWEA, ETCI, RECI and ECSSA is also acknowledged. Document History Issue No Description Date 01 Original Document Issue 29-October-2008 2 of 96 Table of Contents 1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 The Guide ................................................................................................................................................................7 2 Summary – the quick guide ........................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Feasibility phase................................................................................................................................................. 11 2.2 Connection applications / connection offer process............................................................................. 11 2.3 Getting new connection infrastructure built ........................................................................................... 12 2.4 Connection costs and timelines.................................................................................................................... 13 2.5 Connection for CHP and on-site generation ............................................................................................ 14 3 Overview of the Irish Electricity Industry................................................................................................... 15 3.1 Commercial and regulatory overview ........................................................................................................ 15 3.2 Technical overview............................................................................................................................................ 20 4 Connection offer process................................................................................................................................ 24 4.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 24 4.2 The connection application form................................................................................................................. 26 4.3 Application fees.................................................................................................................................................. 27 4.4 Connection process for on-site generators that require no export capacity ................................ 28 4.5 Connection offer process for generators within the group processing approach...................... 29 4.6 Sequential connection offer process .......................................................................................................... 33 4.7 Reviewing the connection offer ................................................................................................................... 36 4.8 Further information .......................................................................................................................................... 37 5 Connection and operational costs............................................................................................................... 38 5.1 Connection costs ............................................................................................................................................... 38 5.2 Operational costs............................................................................................................................................... 44 6 Constructing the connection......................................................................................................................... 49 6.1 Pre-construction................................................................................................................................................. 49 6.2 The Construction ............................................................................................................................................... 50 6.3 Documentation .................................................................................................................................................. 51 6.4 Testing and commissioning phase.............................................................................................................. 52 6.5 Operation ............................................................................................................................................................. 52 7 Appendix A - Generation and the Effects on the Network .................................................................. 53 7.1 Characteristics of generating plant ............................................................................................................. 53 7.2 Effects of generators on networks ............................................................................................................... 54 7.3 Network codes.................................................................................................................................................... 57 8 Appendix B - Non-Firm Transmission Access and Constraints........................................................... 59 3 of 96 9 Appendix C – Protection and Earthing....................................................................................................... 60 9.1 Protection............................................................................................................................................................. 60 9.2 Site earthing ........................................................................................................................................................ 62 10 Appendix D - power factor and reactive power...................................................................................... 63 10.1 Active power ....................................................................................................................................................... 63 10.2 Apparent power................................................................................................................................................. 63 10.3 Power factor ........................................................................................................................................................ 64 10.4 Reactive power................................................................................................................................................... 64 10.5 Leading and lagging power factors............................................................................................................. 64 11 Appendix E - Contestable Connections ..................................................................................................... 65 11.1 Contestable work and non-contestable work ......................................................................................... 66 11.2 Contestability and group processing.......................................................................................................... 67 11.3 Practicalities of contestable works..............................................................................................................