GIZ BR ESOF Product 1

ENERGY SYSTEMS
OF THE FUTURE:
Integrating variable renewable energy
sources in Brazil's energy matrix
PRODUCT 1:
TECHNICAL REGULATION
STUDIES
Energy systems of the future: Final Report
Integrating variable renewable energy sources in Brazil's energy matrix
Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00
Energy Systems of the Future: Integrating Variable Renewable Energy Sources

in Brazil's Energy Matrix
Document Title: Product 1 – Technical Regulation Studies

Título do Documento: Produto 1 – Estudos de Regulamentação Técnica
Prepared by: Lahmeyer International GmbH

Elaborado por: Tractebel Engineering S.A.
PSR Soluções e Consultoria em Energia Ltda
Authors: Karim Karoui, Leonardo Rese (Tractebel)

Autores:
Date: May 2019

Data: Maio 2019
Coordination: Florian Geyer (GIZ)

Coordenação: Juarez Castrillon Lopes (EPE), in memoriam
Karim Karoui (Tractebel)
Leonardo Rese (Tractebel)
Livio Teixeira Filho (MME)
Marcelo Prais (ONS)
Rafael Kelman (PSR)
Renata Carvalho (EPE)
Roberto Castro (GIZ)
This study was carried out within the scope of the German Cooperation for Sustainable
Development, through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
(GIZ), within the Energy Systems of the Future Program. On the Brazilian side, the
Program has as its political coordinating partner the Ministry of Mines and Energy
(MME), also counting on the participation of other relevant institutions in the national
electricity sector, such as the Empresa de Pesquisa Energetica (EPE) and the Operador
Nacional do Sistema Eletrico (ONS), technical implementing partners of this study.
Este estudo foi elaborado no âmbito da Cooperação Alemã para o Desenvolvimento

Sustentável, por intermédio da Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit – GIZ, dentro do Programa Sistemas de Energia do Futuro. Pelo lado
brasileiro, o Programa tem como parceiro coordenador político o Ministério de Minas e
Energia (MME), contando também com a participação de outras relevantes instituições
do setor elétrico nacional, destacando aqui a Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE)
e o Operador do Sistema Elétrico Nacional (ONS), parceiros executores técnicos deste
estudo.
Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00
Legal Information
1. All indications, data and results of this study were compiled and carefully reviewed
by the author(s). However, errors regarding the content cannot be avoided.
Consequently, neither GIZ or the author(s) can be held responsible for any direct or
indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from the use or reliance placed on the
information contained in this study, or directly or indirectly resulting from errors,
inaccuracies or omissions of information in this study.
2. Duplication or reproduction of all or parts of the study (including the transfer of data
to media storage systems) and distribution for non-commercial purposes is
permitted, provided GIZ is cited as the source of the information. For other
commercial uses, including duplication, reproduction or distribution of all or parts of
this study, written consent from GIZ is required.
Informações Legais
1. Todas as indicações, dados e resultados deste estudo foram compilados e

cuidadosamente revisados pelo(s) autor(es). No entanto, erros com relação ao
conteúdo não podem ser evitados. Consequentemente, nem a GIZ ou o(s) autor(es)
podem ser responsabilizados por qualquer reivindicação, perda ou prejuízo direto
ou indireto resultante do uso ou confiança depositada sobre as informações
contidas neste estudo, ou direta ou indiretamente resultante dos erros, imprecisões
ou omissões de informações neste estudo.
2. A duplicação ou reprodução de todo ou partes do estudo (incluindo a transferência
de dados para sistemas de armazenamento de mídia) e distribuição para fins não
comerciais é permitida, desde que a GIZ seja citada como fonte da informação.
Para outros usos comerciais, incluindo duplicação, reprodução ou distribuição de
todo ou partes deste estudo, é necessário o consentimento escrito da GIZ.
Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00
List of Participants / Lista de Participantes
Steering Committee / Comitê Gestor

Florian Geyer (GIZ)
Juarez Castrillon Lopes (EPE)
Karim Karoui (Tractebel)
Leonardo Rese (Tractebel)
Marcelo Prais (ONS)
Rafael Kelman (PSR)
Renata Carvalho (EPE)
Roberto Castro (GIZ)
Technical Committee / Comitê Técnico – EPE

Bruno Cesar Mota Macada; Bruno Scarpa Alves da Silveira; Caio Monteiro
Leocadio; Carolina Moreira Borges; Cristiano Saboia Ruschel; Daniel José
Tavares de Souza; Fabiano Schmidt; Fabio de Almeida Rocha; Flavio Alberto
Figueredo Rosa; Gabriel Konzen; Glaysson de Mello Muller ; Gustavo
Brandão Haydt de Souza; Gustavo Pires da Ponte; Gustavo Valeriano Neves
Luizon; Igor Chaves; Jean Carlo Morassi; João Henriques Magalhães
Almeida; Jorge Trinkenreich; Jose Filho da Costa Castro; José Marcos
Bressane; Leandro Moda; Leandro Pereira de Andrade; Lucas Simões de
Oliveira; Luiz Felipe Froede Lorentz; Marcelo Willian Henriques Szrajbman;
Marcos Vinícius G. da S. Farinha; Maria Cecilia Pereira de Araújo; Maxwell
Cury Junior; Paulo Fernando de Matos Araujo; Pedro Americo Moretz-Sohn
David; Renata de Azevedo Moreira da Silva; Renato Haddad Simões
Machado; Rodrigo Ribeiro Ferreira; Rodrigo Rodrigues Cabral; Roney
Nakano Vitorino ; Samir de Oliveira Ferreira; Sergio Felipe Falcão Lima;
Simone Quaresma Brandão; Thais Pacheco Teixeira; Thiago de Faria Rocha
Dourado Martins; Tiago Campos Rizzotto; Tiago Veiga Madureira.
Technical Committee / Comitê Técnico – ONS

André Snaider; Angela Barbosa Greenhalgh; Elder Sales de Santanna; Karine
Rejane de Oliveira Franca Louzada; Lillian Monteath; Paulo Eduardo Martins
Quintão; Roseane de Souza Nunes; Tatiane Moraes Pestana Cortes; Vitor
Silva Duarte.
Technical Committee / Comitê Técnico – Consultant / Consultor

Achim Schreider; Alexis Bonneschky; Atom Mirakyan; Enrique Salazar; Felix
Knicker; Francois Botreau; Jörg Großmann; Julia Hoepp; Julio Sanchez; Kai-
Uwe Horn; Matthias Drosch; Oliver Heil; Ralf Bucher; Stefan Drenkard
(Lahmeyer International). Christian Merckx; François Promel; Françoise
Dassy; Guillaume Brunieau; Karim Karoui; Leonardo Rese; Loïc Maudoux;
Lucas Manso da Silva; Pieter Tielens; Rebecca Sinder; Rodolfo Bialecki; Stijn
Cole (Tractebel). Alessandro Soares; João Marcos; Juliana Pontes; Julio
Alberto; Lucas Okamura; Maria Luján Latorre; Mario Veiga Pereira; Martha
Rosa; Maynara Aredes; Rafael Kelman; Silvio Binato; Tainá Martins (PSR).
Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00
Presentation
The study “Integrating Variable Renewable Energy Sources in Brazil's Energy Matrix”
was conceived within the scope of German Cooperation for Sustainable Development,
through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), within the
“Energy Systems of the Future” Program. On the Brazilian side, the Program has as its
political coordinating partner the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), also counting on
the participation of other relevant institutions in the national electricity sector, with an
emphasis to the Empresa de Pesquisa Energetica (EPE) and the Operador Nacional
do Sistema Eletrico (ONS), technical implementing partners of this study.
The study was structured into five main products: Technical Regulation Studies (Grid
Codes); Energy Studies; Power System Studies; Methodology Studies and Technology
Studies, which, all together, have as an end result an analysis of the impacts of the
integration of large amounts of variable renewable energy sources in the National
Interconnected System (SIN). The study takes into account the analysis of energy and
power aspects and considers technological and cost trends, as well as a methodological
proposal and analytical tools for studies of this nature.
In order to carry out the study, an international bidding process was carried out, in which
the Consortium formed by the companies Lahmeyer International, Tractebel and PSR
was awarded to carry out the work.
One aspect that should be highlighted was the active participation of EPE and ONS
experts in the project execution, who, together with the contracted consultant, made
their knowledge available in the preparation of the products, as well as in the
participation of the various training sessions that were carried out during the work.
Objective
The study aims to analyse the impacts of the integration of large amounts of variable
renewable energy sources in the National Interconnected System and has the following
main objectives: i) to review the planning practices for the integration of renewable
energy sources in Brazil; ii) identify any gaps in current planning practices in Brazil with
respect to international practices; iii) to propose improvements in terms of
methodologies and analytical tools for the planning of the Brazilian electrical system;
and iv) carry out a case study using the methodologies and analytical tools proposed in
the study. Additionally, technical training sections carried out by the Consultant to
experts of EPE and ONS teams constituted an important part of this project.
Enjoy the reading.

Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00
Apresentação
O estudo sobre a Integração de Fontes Renováveis Variáveis na Matriz Elétrica

Brasileira foi concebido no âmbito da Cooperação Alemã para o Desenvolvimento
Sustentável, por intermédio da Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit – GIZ, dentro do Programa Sistemas de Energia do Futuro. Pelo lado
brasileiro, o Programa tem como parceiro coordenador político o Ministério de Minas e
Energia (MME), contando também com a participação de outras relevantes instituições
do setor elétrico nacional, destacando aqui a Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE)
e o Operador do Sistema Elétrico Nacional (ONS), parceiros executores técnicos deste
estudo.
O estudo foi estruturado em cinco produtos principais: Estudos Regulatórios (Códigos
de Rede); Estudos Energéticos; Estudos Elétricos; Estudos Metodológicos e Estudos
Tecnológicos, que, integrados entre si, tem como resultado final uma análise dos
impactos da integração de grandes quantidades de fontes renováveis de energia no
Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN), principalmente solar e eólica, avaliando aspectos
energéticos e elétricos e considerando tendências tecnológicas e de custos, bem como
uma proposta metodológica e de ferramentas analíticas para estudos desta natureza.
Para execução do estudo, foi realizada uma licitação internacional onde o Consórcio
formado pelas empresas Lahmeyer International, Tractebel e PSR sagrou-se vencedor
do certame para realização do trabalho.
Um aspecto que deve ser ressaltado foi a participação ativa dos colaboradores da EPE
e ONS, que, juntos com a consultoria contratada, disponibilizaram seu conhecimento
na elaboração dos produtos, bem como na participação das diversas capacitações que
foram realizadas durante o trabalho.
Objetivo
O estudo visa analisar os impactos da integração de grandes quantidades de fontes
renováveis de energia no Sistema Interligado Nacional e possui os seguintes objetivos
principais: i) revisar as práticas de planejamento para a integração de fontes renováveis
de energia no Brasil; ii) identificar eventuais lacunas das práticas de planejamento
atuais no Brasil com respeito às práticas internacionais; iii) propor melhorias em termos
de metodologias e ferramentas analíticas para o planejamento do sistema elétrico
brasileiro; e iv) realizar um estudo de caso aplicando as metodologias e ferramentas
analíticas propostas no estudo. Adicionalmente, ações de capacitação técnica das
equipes da EPE e ONS constituem parte importante deste projeto.
Boa leitura.
Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00
Acknowledgements
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), thanks the

Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE and the Operador Nacional do Sistema Elétrico
(ONS), the focal points of the respective institutions, Juarez Castrillon Lopes, Renata
Carvalho and Marcelo Prais, and all members of the working groups that during the
study made their time and knowledge available in order to achieve results of technical
excellence. Last but not least, we would like to thank the contracted Consultant
Consortium, Lahmeyer International, Tractebel and PSR, for the excellent work carried
out and for the way in which the negotiations have always been conducted. Special
thanks are due to the consultants Rafael Kelman (PSR) and Leonardo Rese (Tractebel),
for their availability, attention and technical quality provided to the work.
Many thanks to all.
Special thanks to the friend and colleague Juarez Castrillon Lopes
At the conclusion of this study, the project team could not fail to pay
a special tribute to our friend and colleague Juarez Castrillon Lopes,
who toasted us with his presence, joy, friendship and knowledge
during the execution of the study, but which unfortunately left us on
15 April 2020.
From the first conversations in the conception of this study, Juarez
has always shown himself as an idealizer and encourager of work.
The first ideas for this study were written by him in conversations
over coffee, on napkins, which were later refined until the elaboration
of the terms of reference detailing the content of the study. From the
beginning defending a greater interaction between system operation and planning, he
motivated the joint participation of EPE and ONS in all discussions about the study.
During its execution, Juarez always kept the work in the direction that the final objective
was reached, participating in all study working groups, always actively, enriching the
discussions with his high technical knowledge and creating a fraternal work environment
within the team. His always active participation was one of the factors that led to the
end of delivering a study of technical excellence. Juarez will definitely be missed by his
friends and colleagues who had the opportunity to share the life and work with him.
This acknowledgment does not intend to reflect everything that this electrical engineer,
promoter of wind energy and “Botafoguense”, contributed to the electricity sector in
these almost 45 years of dedication, but rather, to leave a simple and sincere tribute to
those who had the opportunity to enjoy his presence in the execution of this study.
Thank you very much from the entire team.

Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00
Agradecimentos
A Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ, agradece aos

titulares da Empresa de Pesquisa Energética e do Operador do Sistema Elétrico
Nacional, aos pontos focais das respectivas instituições, Juarez Castrillon Lopes,
Renata Carvalho e Marcelo Prais e a todos os membros dos grupos de trabalho que
durante a realização do estudo disponibilizaram seu tempo e conhecimento no sentido
de alcançarmos um estudo de excelência técnica. Por fim, não menos importante,
agradecemos ao Consórcio Consultor contratado, Lahmeyer International, Tractebel e
PSR, pelo excelente trabalho executado e pela forma em que as tratativas sempre
foram conduzidas. Agradecimento especial registramos aos consultores Rafael Kelman
(PSR) e Leonardo Rese (Tractebel), pela disponibilidade, atenção dispensada e
qualidade técnica fornecida ao trabalho.
Um muito obrigado a todos.
Agradecimento especial ao amigo e colega Juarez Castrillon Lopes
Na conclusão deste estudo, a equipe não poderia deixar de registrar

uma homenagem especial ao nosso amigo e colega Juarez
Castrillon Lopes, que nos brindou com sua presença, alegria,
amizade e conhecimento durante a execução do estudo, mas que
infelizmente nos deixou em 15 de abril de 2020.
Desde as primeiras conversas na concepção deste estudo, até
mesmo nas informais, Juarez sempre se mostrou como um
idealizador e incentivador do trabalho. As primeiras ideias foram por
ele escritas em conversas durante cafés, em guardanapos, que
depois foram sendo refinadas até a elaboração de um termo de referência detalhando
o conteúdo do estudo. Defendeu, desde do começo, uma maior interação entre
operação e planejamento, motivando a participação conjunta da EPE e do ONS em
todas as discussões.
Já durante sua execução, Juarez sempre manteve a condução dos trabalhos no
sentido que o objetivo final fosse alcançado, participando de todos os grupos de
trabalho do estudo sempre de forma ativa, enriquecendo as discussões com seu alto
conhecimento técnico e criando um ambiente fraterno de trabalho dentro da equipe.
Sua participação sempre ativa foi um dos fatores que propiciaram ao final entregar um
estudo de excelência técnica. Juarez sem dúvida vai deixar muitas saudades entre
seus amigos e colegas que tiveram a oportunidade de conviver e trabalhar com ele.
Este agradecimento não pretende refletir tudo que este engenheiro eletricista,
incentivador da energia eólica e Botafoguense contribuiu para o setor elétrico nestes
quase 45 anos de dedicação, mas sim, deixar uma simples e sincera homenagem
daqueles que tiveram a oportunidade de desfrutar de sua presença na execução deste
estudo.
Muito obrigado de toda a equipe.

Energy systems of the future:
Integrating variable renewable energy
sources in Brazil's energy matrix
Product 1:
Technical Regulation Studies
Final Report
Gesellschaft für Internationale

Zusammenarbeit
Brazil
RESTRICTED
May 2019
20-26-00173
Final Report
Transaction 81212141
number:
Project Number 15.2126.9-001.00
Client Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Country Brazil
Project title Energy systems of the future:

Services Consultancy Services
Consultant: Lahmeyer International GmbH

Friedberger Straße 173
61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany
Tractebel Engineering
Avenue Simon Bolivar 34-36,
1000 Brussels, Belgium
PSR Soluções e Consultoria em Energia Ltda

Praia de Botafogo 228 / 1701-A Botafogo
22250-145 - Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Date May 2019
Revision Date Status Author Verified Approved

01 01. Mai 2019 Final L. Rese (TE) K. Karoui (TE) K. Karoui (TE)
May 2019
20-26-00173
© Lahmeyer International GmbH, 2020
The information contained in this document is proprietary, protected and solely for the use of the Client
identified on the cover sheet for the purpose for which it has been prepared. Lahmeyer International GmbH
and its consortium partners Tractebel Engineering S.A. and PSR Soluções e Consultoria em Energia Ltda.
undertake no duty, nor accept any responsibility, to any third party who may wish to rely upon this document.
Save to the extent agreed otherwise with the Client all rights are reserved and no section or element of this
document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form
without written permission of Lahmeyer International GmbH and Tractebel Engineering S.A. and PSR
Soluções e Consultoria em Energia Ltda.
May 2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 11
2 GRID CODES: A GENERAL OVERVIEW 12
2.1 Acknowledgement 12
2.2 Background 12
2.3 Impact of VRE integration 12
2.4 Definition, purpose and function 13
2.5 Grid codes vs. energy policies 15
2.6 The Role of Grid Codes for VRE Integration 15
3 VRE CONNECTION CODE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION 18
3.1 The role of international standards 19
3.2 Development process 20
3.3 Implementation 21
3.4 Enforcement 21
4 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VRE INTEGRATION 22
4.1 General description of the technical requirements 22
4.2 Advanced requirements 26
4.3 Studies to be carried out to determine the parameters of the requirements 27
4.4 Implementation 28
5 INTERNATIONAL GRID CODE BENCHMARK 29
5.1 Methodology 29
5.2 Classification of generation resources 31
5.3 Connection and operation requirements 33
5.4 Synthesis 67
6 ANALYSIS OF THE BRAZILIAN GRID CODE 69
6.1 Introduction 69
6.2 Technical requirements for the connection of new facilities to the transmission network
(Module 3) 71
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6.3 Technical requirements for the connection of VRE generators to the transmission system 72
6.4 Critical review of the Brazilian grid code 79
7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 89
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: General composition of a grid code (adapted from [1]) 14
Figure 2: Conditions for the successful VRE integration (adapted from [1]) 15
Figure 3: Typical grid code development process (adapted from [1]) 16
Figure 4: Aspects to be considered when drafting a grid connection code (adapted from [1])
16
Figure 5: Typical grid code development process [1] 20
Figure 6: Frequency tolerances and delays for SG in Canada 34
Figure 7: Frequency tolerances, delays and authorized active power reduction for SG in
Denmark 35
Figure 8: Authorized active power reduction in case of low frequency for SG in Germany 35
Figure 9: Frequency envelope in which there may be no active power output limitation –
Germany 35
Figure 10: Frequency tolerances and delays for SG in United Kingdom 35
Figure 11: Authorized active power reduction in case of low frequency for SG in United
Kingdom 36
Figure 12: V/f range for Belgium to stay connected for an unlimited time in the hatched area
and with a commonly agreed time in the white area 37
Figure 13: Voltages range for Canada 37
Figure 14: Voltages tables and V/f range for Denmark 38
Figure 15: V/f range with permitted active power reduction for Germany 38
Figure 16: Flicker and voltage variations tolerated in Canada 43
Figure 17: Maximum harmonic voltage distortion factors in the Philippines 43
Figure 18: Maximum harmonic current distortion factors in the Philippines 43
Figure 19: Reactive power range requirements in function of the voltage – Spain 45
Figure 20: Mandatory protections and settings – Denmark 47
Figure 21: Supplementary protections and settings – Denmark 47
Figure 22: Frequency range imposed for offshore wind farms – Germany 50
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Figure 23: Frequency range imposed for wind and solar power plants – Philippines 51
Figure 24: Active power (absorption) decrease for DC converters in case of frequency drop –
UK 51
Figure 25: Voltage operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
51
Figure 26: Voltage limits for wind farm operation – Denmark 52
Figure 27: V/f range of operation for wind power plants - Denmark 52
Figure 28: Fault ride through - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants) 52
Figure 29: FRT envelope for wind farms connected in 110 kV or above – Belgium 53
Figure 30: FRT envelope for wind farms connected below 110 kV – Belgium 53
Figure 31: FRT envelope for wind farms – Canada 54
Figure 32: FRT envelope for wind farms larger than 1.5 MW (zone A: remain connected and
operate normally, zone B: remain connected and offer full voltage support, zone C: disconnect)
– Denmark 54
Figure 33: FRT envelope for units not connected directly to the grid (through converters) –
Germany 55
Figure 34: FRT envelope for wind farms – Philippines 55
Figure 35: FRT requirements for PV parks – Philippines 55
Figure 36: FRT requirements for Special thermo solar units net equipped with synchronous
generators – Spain 56
Figure 37: FRT envelope requirement for a 140 ms fault – point of view from the LV side of the
platform – UK 56
Figure 38: FRT envelope requirement for a fault lasting more than 140 ms – point of view from
the LV side of the platform – UK 56
Figure 39: Reactive power requirements for on-shore wind farms – Belgium (blue area:
mandatory, grey area: not mandatory) 57
Figure 40: Reactive power requirements for off-shore wind farms – Belgium (blue area:
mandatory, grey area: not mandatory) 58
Figure 41: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms between 25 kW and 1.5 MW –
Denmark 58
Figure 42: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms between 1.5 MW and 25 MW –
Denmark 58
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Figure 43: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms larger than 25 MW – Denmark 59
Figure 44: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms larger than 25 MW – Denmark 59
Figure 45: V/cosphi range of operation for wind farms with unrestricted power output –
Germany 59
Figure 46: P/Q requirements for wind farms when 0.95 pu< U <1.05 pu – Germany 60
Figure 47: P/Q requirements for wind farms – Philippines 60
Figure 48: P/Q requirements for wind farms (A and B = 0.95 lagging and leading, C and D =
5% Pnom, E = 12 % Pnom) – UK 60
Figure 49: Requirements on rapid voltages changes limitations for wind farms – Denmark 61
Figure 50: Flicker requirements for wind farms between 11 to 1500 kW – Denmark 61
Figure 51: Flicker requirements for wind farms larger than 1.5 MW – Denmark 61
Figure 52: Active power reduction requirement in case of over-frequency for wind farms larger
than 50 MW – Belgium 62
Figure 53: Example of P/f primary control required for wind farms larger than 25 MW –
Denmark 62
Figure 54: Active power reduction in case of over-frequency for renewable generation units –
Germany 63
Figure 55: Ramp rates limits for wind farms – Philippines 63
Figure 56: Active power decrease in case of over-frequency – Philippines 63
Figure 57: Requirement for reactive power supply, IQ, during voltage drops for wind power
plants with a power output greater than 1.5 MW (zone B: priority to Q supply, not P supply) –
Denmark 64
Figure 58: Reactive current droop for offshore wind farms – Germany 65
Figure 59: Reactive current droop for units not directly connected to the grid (through
converters) – Germany 65
Figure 60: Current injection after fault – Philippines 66
Figure 61: Current injection of wind farms during and after fault - Spain 66
Figure 62: Reactive power capability requirement (Brazilian grid code) 73
Figure 63: Power factor requirement within the voltage operating range 74
Figure 64: Voltage control characteristic (Brazilian grid code) 74
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Figure 65: Reactive power and power factor control functions 75
Figure 66: Synthetic inertia requirement (Brazilian grid code) 76
Figure 67: Over-frequency control requirement (Brazilian grid code) 76
Figure 68: FRT requirements (Brazilian grid code) 77
Figure 69: Requirement for reactive current injection during faults (Brazilian grid code) 78
Figure 70: Recommendations for improvement of the requirement for reactive current injection
during faults 81
Figure 71: Definition of technical requirements at different locations (Brazilian grid code) 85
Figure 72: Recommended model management process 85
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Overview of technical requirements for VRE connection according to VRE share
(adapted from [1]) 22
Table 2: Transmission System Operators selected for the grid code review 30
Table 3: Main characteristics of the systems for which the grid codes were evaluated 30
Table 4: Classification of generating units 32
Table 5: Frequency operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous

generators) 34
Table 6: Voltage operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous

generators) 36
Table 7: Fault ride through - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators) 38
Table 8: Power factor and reactive power capabilities - comparison of different grid codes
(synchronous generators) 41
Table 9: Phase unbalance, harmonics and flicker - comparison of different grid codes
(synchronous generators) 42
Table 10: P/f control - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators) 44
Table 11: V/Q control - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators) 44
Table 12: Earthing and protections - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous
generators) 46
Table 13: Islanding, black-start and synchronisation - comparison of different grid codes
(synchronous generators 48
Table 14: Information exchange - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators
48
Table 15: Frequency operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
50
Table 16: Frequency range imposed for wind farms – Belgium 50
Table 17: Power factor and reactive power capabilities - comparison of different grid codes
(VRE power plants) 57
Table 18: Phase unbalance, harmonics and flicker - comparison of different grid codes (VRE
power plants) 61
Table 19: P/f control - - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants) 61
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Table 20: P/f control - - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants) 63
Table 21: Earthing and protections - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
66
Table 22: Islanding and synchronisation - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power
plants) 67
Table 23: Voltage ranges (Brazilian grid code) 73
Table 24: Frequency ranges (Brazilian grid code) 73
Table 25: Short-term production forecast schedule (Brazilian grid code) 79
Table 26: Technical requirements for energy storage applications in UK (transitory phase) [10]
86
Table 27: Benchmark of the Brazilian grid code with respect to the international practice
(synthesis of analyses) 87
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List of Acronyms
Acronym Definition
AC Alternating Current
ANA Agência Nacional de Águas (National Water Agency)
ANAREDE Programa de Análise de Redes
ANATEM Programa de Análise de Transitórios Eletromecânicos
ANEEL Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (Regulator of the Brazilian Electricity
Sector)
ATP Another Transient Program
AVR Automatic Voltage Regulator
BESS Battery Energy Storage Solution
BIPS Brazilian Interconnected Power System
CCEE Câmara de Comercialização de Energia Elétrica (Brazilian Electricity Market
Operator)
CSP Concentrated Solar Power
DC Direct Current
DISCO Distribution Company
EPE Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (Energy Research Enterprise)
ENTSO-E European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity
RfG Requirements for Generators
FRT Fault Ride Through
GC Grid Code
HVDC High Voltage Direct Current
HVRT High Voltage Rider Through
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency
ISO Independent System Operator
KSA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
LV Low Voltage
LVRT Low Voltage Ride Through
NSG Non-Synchronous Generators
PACDYN Small-Signal Stability Software Package
PDE Plano Decenal de Energia (10-year Energy Master Plan)
PF Power Factor
PoC Point of Connection
PP Power Plant
PPA Power Purchase Agreement
PPC Power Plant Control
PPM Power Park Modules
PSP Pumped Storage Power Plant
PSS Power System Stabilizer
PV Photovoltaic
pu Per Unit
RoCoF Rate of Change of Frequency
RRG Renewable Resource Generator
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Acronym Definition
SG Synchronous Generator
SIN Sistema Interligado Nacional (National Interconnected System)
SPP Solar Power Plant
TSO Transmission System Operators
UK United Kingdom
UTC Coordinated Universal Time
VRE Variable Renewable Energy
VSC Voltage Source Converter
WPP Wind Power Plant
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1 INTRODUCTION
The project “Energy systems of the future: Integrating variable renewable energy sources in Brazil's
energy matrix” aims at studying the impact of the integration renewable energy sources to the Brazilian
interconnected power system (BIPS) in both expansion and operation planning standpoints.
The general objective of the project, as specified in the ToR, is “to improve the prerequisites for systematic
integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency into the Brazilian Energy System”.
In this assignment, a pilot study on integrating renewable energies into the Brazilian energy system will be
performed. It will cover both operation and expansion planning aspects. More specifically, the objectives of
the project are:
· Perform an assessment of the current practices on VRE integration in Brazil;
· Perform an assessment of the international practices on VRE integration;
· Carry out a gap analysis between the international and the National practices in VRE integration;
· Carry out an expansion planning exercise composed by energetic and power system analyses consid-
ering power system operation aspects;
· Propose upgrades to the current practices in Brazil based on the results of the gap analysis and the
detailed energy and power system studies.
In order to accomplish the aforementioned objectives, the project is organized in eight (8) products, as fol-
lows:
· Product 0: Work Methodology
· Product 1: Technical Regulation Studies
· Product 2: Energy Studies
· Product 3: Power System Studies
· Product 4: Methodology Studies
· Product 5: Technology Studies
· Product 6: Final Report
· Product 7: Workshops
This report comprises the Product 1 of the project (“Technical Regulation Studies”). The report is structured
as follows:
· Chapter 2: General overview of grid codes and its role for VRE integration
· Chapter 3: Process for developing a VRE connection code
· Chapter 4: Description of technical requirements for VRE connection
· Chapter 5: International grid code benchmarking
· Chapter 6: Analysis of the Brazilian grid code
· Chapter 7: Conclusions and recommendations
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2 GRID CODES: A GENERAL OVERVIEW
2.1 Acknowledgement
This report focuses exclusively on grid connection codes and on the provisions relevant to the connection
of VRE generators. For the purpose of this report these refer to wind and solar Photovoltaic (PV) generators
of any size. The general term ‘VRE grid codes’ here specifies the minimum technical and design require-
ments for VRE generators so that their behaviour is compatible with system stability and safety requirements.
By providing appropriate technical and legal rules for VRE generators, VRE grid codes can support the
effectiveness of national and regional energy policies for renewables integration.
The content of this chapter is based on [1].
2.2 Background
The open formulation and implementation of enforceable grid codes first became necessary with the liber-
alisation of power systems. While some form of technical regulation for generators has always existed, en-
forceable grid codes have enabled the co-ordination of multiple individual stakeholders in decentralised
power systems. During the unbundling process, vertically integrated utilities were split up into their genera-
tion, grid and electricity sales parts and often privatised. The increasing numbers of small, private generators
and the separation of generation from operation of the network required clear rules on how these new gen-
erators should connect to the public grid.
Grid codes are not only useful in fully unbundled power markets. As technical rules, they regulate grid access
and network user operation regardless of whether the power system is operated and supervised by a specific
operator or by a vertically integrated utility. The establishment of a grid code is an important step in opening
up the power sector to private and especially VRE generators. It increases transparency and provides equal
treatment by making the same rules applicable to all. Like other governing frameworks, grid codes have
continuously been adapted to changing technologies, system conditions and political aspirations. This is
also reflected in the ongoing adaptation of grid codes to enhance the development of regional power markets
and integration of renewable energy generators.
The rise of renewables has been driven by the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the plummeting
costs of renewable power plants and concerns about energy independence. VRE grid codes seek to ensure
that VRE generators contribute towards the safety, stability and reliability of the power system. Many VRE
generator grid code requirements show the desire to ensure the fair treatment of conventional and renewable
generators in terms of technical requirements on new generation assets of similar sizes. This is achieved by
making comparable demands of each in terms of to their contribution to system stability.
In many countries, the rise of renewables has not coincided with unbundling. Some countries, such as Japan
or small island states like Barbados, have retained vertically integrated utilities alongside private renewable
generators which feed into the utility’s grid. In these cases, VRE grid codes are still required to provide
technical regulations for the connection of renewables. Similarly, unbundled electricity systems may require
grid codes for conventional generators in the absence of renewables.
2.3 Impact of VRE integration

Variable renewable generators differ in several important ways from conventional generators like thermal or
hydroelectric power stations.
Conventional generators typically either hold their active power output constant (baseload mode) or can vary
their output based on demand (load following mode). The active power output of VRE generators depends
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on the weather. This variability can present challenges depending on the level of penetration and the char-
acteristics of the conventional generators in the grid. Conventional generators must be able to compensate
for the difference between variable renewable output and consumer demand fast enough not to affect fre-
quency stability. Major, quick voltage changes due to variable feed-in can also disturb electricity consumers
nearby and should be avoided.
Individual VRE generators (as opposed to aggregated solar or wind farms) are usually smaller than conven-
tional generators. This is an advantage in that single VRE generator failure has less of a negative impact on
the power system than the sudden disconnection of conventional generators. The small size of some VRE
generators may mean there is no need to equip them with the functionality to provide certain system ser-
vices. However, as the technology is evolving rapidly, these services may become more and more common
among small VRE generators.
Conventional generators feed directly into the transmission network in a centralised manner. By contrast,
small VRE generators, particularly rooftop solar PV, are often distributed across the power system and feed
electricity in at low voltage levels. In the past only electricity consumers were connected at low voltage levels.
If distributed PV feed-in exceeds the local electrical load, the voltage can exceed regulated limits. The re-
versed power flow on the low voltage power line may then exceed line or transformer capacity limits.
As well as being smaller and variable, renewable generators such as wind turbines and PV systems have
different technical properties from conventional power stations. At first, inverter-connected wind and solar
plants could not match the services provided by traditional power plants. However, technological innovation
parallel with the development of grid codes has allowed VRE generators to be subject to requirements to
help stabilise the network. For example, VRE generators can now provide reactive power for voltage control,
active power reduction during congestion or over-frequency events, and network support during faults.
2.4 Definition, purpose and function

Grid codes are a legally binding instrument to set the rules for the power system and energy market opera-
tions, ensuring operational stability, security of supply and adequate functioning electricity markets. A grid
code can be composed by connection codes, operating codes, planning codes, market codes. This report
provides guidance to regulators, policy makers, system operators and other stakeholders on how grid con-
nection codes should be developed and implemented. It considers the country context with a view to ena-
bling a higher share of VRE in the power system.
A grid code is usually composed by a set of sub-codes, as depicted in Figure 1.
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Grid Connection Interconnection

Operation Code Planning Code Market Code
Code Code
Synchrhonous
Operational Security Generation Planning
Generator Connection Planning Code Market Rules Code
Code Code
Code
Network Capacity
VRE Generator Operational Planning Network Planning Allocation and
Connections Code
Connection Code and Scheduling Code Code Congestion
Management Code
Load Frequency
Demand Connection System
Operations Code Control and Reserve
Code Interconnection Code
Code
Interchange
HVDC Connection Emergency Procedure
Scheduling and
Code Code
Balancing Codes
Operator Training
Data Exchange Code
Code
Metering Code
Operator Training
Code
Figure 1: General composition of a grid code (adapted from [1])
Technical requirements in grid codes are determined by the need to maintain the reliability, security and
quality of the power supply and fulfil the objectives below.
· The electrical power needs of all consumers must be met reliably.
· Voltage and frequency must be maintained within set limits to avoid damaging equipment connected to
the grid.
· The system must be able to recover quickly from system disturbances.
· At all times the system must operate without endangering the public or operating staff.
These basic needs are translated in the grid code into operational requirements demanded to all generators
including VRE based on their technical impact described above. System operators make use of the services
provided by power plants and other equipment to maintain system stability and safety.
A VRE grid code allows the network operator to provide clear rules and technical requirements for wind and
solar plant operators when connecting to the country’s electricity networks. Depending on the country, the
network operator may use the fulfilment of the grid code as a precondition for connection to the network.
The code can act as a legal requirement for connected generators, who may be prosecuted if the require-
ments are not fulfilled. As binding rules, grid codes help to ensure that generator owners and operators are
treated fairly in terms of grid connection while ensuring system stability and reliability.
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2.5 Grid codes vs. energy policies

The grid code is distinct from a country’s energy policy. An energy policy provides a framework in which a
country addresses some of its energy needs by converting and distributing energy from different sources. A
renewables power system policy and regulation can include future targets for the amount of renewable en-
ergy to be integrated into the country’s power system. Both policies and regulations may provide investment
incentives for renewable energy to reach a country’s targets, ensuring reliable and affordable development
of a sustainable power system. The role of VRE grid codes is to provide technical regulations for the con-
nection of VRE generators to the grid, thereby reducing technical barriers to energy policy fulfilment.
2.6 The Role of Grid Codes for VRE Integration

Grid codes are essential for the seamless integration of VRE into power systems. VRE generators pose new
challenges to the power system operation when compared with conventional generation. In order to over-
come these challenges, VRE generation technologies are rapidly evolving, accompanied by technologies
for mitigating the impact of VRE insertion like storage and advanced control functions, as well as enhanced
operational practices and tools. These technological and operational developments allow greater flexibility
for the operation of power systems and can enable the integration of higher shares of VRE.
In order to ensure electricity supply service to consumers with adequate quality, security and reliability level,
a set of technical rules must be established. These rules must hold for all stakeholders with a participation
to the electricity services.
The successful integration of VRE sources in power systems depends on the integration and balance of
technology, operation and regulation, as depicted in Figure 2.
Technical
Regulation -
Grid Codes
Successful
VRE
Integration
Evolution of
System Technology
Operation Developments
Practices
Figure 2: Conditions for the successful VRE integration (adapted from [1])
The sub-code that is the focus of VRE integration analyses is the Grid Connection Code1. The function of
a grid connection code applied to VRE is to provide a set of technical requirements for the connection of
1
In this project, the focus of the grid code analysis is on the Connection Codes and on the provisions related to the
connection of VRE generators (wind and solar PV).
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wind and solar PV power plants to a given power system. This code is in charge of establishing a fair treat-
ment for all VRE power plants in which regards the technical requirements for the power plant to access the
grid. This helps to ensure the fair treatment of generator owners and operators concerning grid connection
while maintaining system stability and reliability. By providing appropriate technical and legal rules for VRE
generators, VRE connection codes can support the effectiveness of energy policies for VRE integration.
The process of developing a VRE connection code usually comprises the steps depicted in Figure 3.
Preparation of technical studies
Data collection and assessment of system-specific aspects
Expert draft of the grid code
Stakeholder consultation on the draft
Grid code endorsement
Implementation
Revision based on policy changes and experience after employing the grid code
Figure 3: Typical grid code development process (adapted from [1])
The development of a VRE connection code should count on the previous experience from different systems
around the world. However, the connection code of another system cannot be directly adopted. A great
portion of the requirements for the connection of VRE generating units depend on the specific needs and
characteristics of the local power system. Figure 4 shows the aspects that need to be taken into account
when developing a VRE connection code.
Power System Interconnection

Voltage Levels
Size (Capacity) Level
Distribution and Characteristics of

Flexibility of Load Conventional Energy Policy
and Generation Generating Units
Expansion Market Size for Operational

Planning VRE Practices
Figure 4: Aspects to be considered when drafting a grid connection code (adapted from [1])
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Many requirements can be harmonised internationally, enabling countries to pool their resources in areas
such as certification. This also makes it easier for manufacturers to access more markets, resulting in lower
costs to consumers. The use of international standards to prepare VRE grid codes is another relevant in-
strument for harmonising requirements, as well as a valuable platform for experts to exchange international
experiences and document good practices. The integration of regional power markets also requires regula-
tory efforts through, for example, regional grid codes like the Nordic Grid Code and European Network of
Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) Network Codes. These regional grid codes do
not replace national grid codes but instead provide a common framework for minimum requirements that all
national grid codes should meet.
Enforcing technical requirements in VRE grid codes means using mechanisms to verify compliance with the
codes. There are different strategies with differing costs and degrees of feasibility depending on country
context. These mechanisms include, for example, on-site inspection, use of certification systems or verifica-
tion of whole plants instead of verification of each and single unit in a plant.
Policy-makers and regulators have to support the development and implementation of VRE grid connection
codes in association with the national renewable energy goals, by:
· Ensuring that grid connection codes include appropriate requirements for VRE. Electricity system stud-
ies can play a role in the identification of appropriate requirements. Also, other sources of information
regarding local considerations should be used as input for the code.
· Consulting with all relevant stakeholders. Grid connection codes have an impact on all actors involved
in the power system. Therefore, engagement of all parties will ensure that the codes can be imple-
mented without putting the system security in peril and at the same time the responsibilities are fairly
distributed between all actors.
· Setting a predictable and reliable grid code revision process in place. This increases system reliability
and security by coordinating changes as technology and operation practices develop, also facilitating
the future planning of the system.
· Anticipating technical requirements based on future VRE targets. Grid codes should not only consider
the architecture of today’s power system, but already anticipate the future system requirements in line
with national VRE goals.
· Learning from other countries experience. Identify best practices and lessons learnt from frontrunner
countries in integrating a high share of VRE in power systems. However, avoid to implement a carbon
copy of other countries grid codes without considering local aspects.
· Joining regional initiatives to harmonize requirements and share resources. Regional initiatives and
engaging in international standardisation processes may facilitate the development and implementation
of grid codes by sharing experiences, deploying regional infrastructure for verification and certification
processes, and harmonising requirements resulting in cost reduction due to market scale for technology
suppliers.
Grid connection codes help in ensuring that ambitious policy targets for the deployment of VRE are met
without compromising the security of the electricity system. All relevant stakeholders follow the same rules
as defined in the code, facilitating therefore the operation of the system. As VRE grid codes have evolved
hand-in-hand with technology and operational practice, they have also pulled through the deployment of
best available technologies for VRE grid integration. What could be considered advanced technologies for
integrating VRE a few years ago is now becoming commercially available technology provided by most
technology suppliers. A country investing in sound VRE grid code development and implementation will
enjoy a guaranteed benefit in terms of reliably integrating high shares of VRE at an affordable grid cost.
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3 VRE CONNECTION CODE DEVELOPMENT AND

IMPLEMENTATION
VRE connection codes can be developed for a grid operator’s single control area, a country or even an entire
region, comprising one or even several synchronously interconnected systems. VRE grid codes may thus
vary in depth and technical content.
When developing a VRE grid code, a code applicable to another area, country or region cannot be trans-
posed word for word since many requirements made for VRE generators depend on specific power system
needs. The differences relevant to the grid code include:
· The size of the power system – peak load and geographical size -- which is relevant to the extent to
which local VRE feed-in variations are smoothed when aggregated over a large area.
· Whether the power system is isolated or interconnected with other countries – interconnection allows
the country to export its VRE generation peaks, and a larger interconnected system is less susceptible
to frequency issues.
· Whether the grid typically has sufficient cable or line capacity reserves, which affects voltage rises along
long feeders, for example.
· Existing and planned VRE capacities.
· How VRE resources are distributed geographically, which affects the extent to which VRE feed-in vari-
ations are balanced out when aggregated and the need for active power management of the generators.
· How VRE resources are distributed vertically in the power system, with VRE connected to transmission
or distribution grids.
· The capabilities of the conventional generators that must cover the difference between VRE feed-in and
electrical demand.
· The institutional framework i.e. level of unbundling between generation and transmission operators,
regulation, etc.
· The historical aspects of VRE grid code development; in Germany and Denmark, for example, the grid
code has evolved over time in parallel with the development of VRE plant manufacturer technology
offerings to meet grid code requirements.
· State of the art – countries with newer VRE grid codes and a lower VRE share can already benefit from
technology and lessons learnt from experience in pioneer countries, especially to avoid costly retrofitting
later.
· Market situation – In countries looking to increase their VRE share, especially smaller nations, it may
be necessary to consult closely with manufacturers, investors and operators to make sure that VRE
grid code requirements are achievable.
The country-specific context for grid codes means expertise and local knowledge of the power system is
needed when working them out. Although each country may have specific grid code needs, many require-
ments can be harmonised between countries. Harmonisation allows countries to pool their resources in
areas, like certification. This makes it easier for manufacturers to build equipment for several markets, which
in turn keeps down costs for consumers.
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3.1 The role of international standards

In the development and implementation of grid codes, other applicable technical and legal frameworks con-
cerning the electrical energy system must be considered. Depending on their nature, these may either facil-
itate the use of a grid code or interfere with it. The most relevant frameworks are the regulations set by
energy policy and the technical requirements set by national and international standards.
Generator technology, electrical equipment and other aspects of operating electrical power systems have
been subject to national and international standardisation since public electricity supply structures started
up in the 19th century. Therefore, many standards already exist that cover different aspects of modern VRE
generator technology and operation. Requirements in standards relevant to VRE integration are driven by
grid safety and stability needs. The technical committees in the standards organisations have the task of
constantly analysing the existing situation and consulting with all stakeholders involved. International stand-
ards can only be published once a sufficient level of consensus on the technical situation concerned is
reached. Standards are legally non-binding, but compliance with standards can be required by law.
International standardisation processes are a valuable platform for countries and industrial actors to have
discussions and exchange practices and experiences. Country experts should be encouraged and sup-
ported in engaging in international standard development. A wide range of international standards developed
by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engi-
neers (IEEE) are relevant to the integration of VRE into power systems. These technical standards cover
many topics and have very different functions:
· Communication may be facilitated by defining technical terminology in a coherent way;
· Detailed specifications and requirements for technical equipment may be presented, ideally represent-
ing consensus among technical experts, with the goal of uniform engineering;
· Voltage quality and security of supply and its definitions are subject to international standards,
· Interconnection requirements for generators or other assets may be directly specified in international
standards;
· Data transfer and broadcasting protocols may be standardised to ensure clarity of communication;
· Standard test methods describe standardised procedures that produce a test result and are often ref-
erenced in standard specifications as the preferred form of compliance testing;
· Standard practices or procedures are sets of instructions for operating technical equipment.
Standards may be directly applied in a country or modified to suit local conditions. Some standards produced
by different standards bodies may be harmonised with each other. Most standards are very specific and give
requirements in more detail than grid codes. They do not conflict with but complement grid code functionality.
However, in certain cases, international standards for grid connection exist that closely resemble grid codes
in scope and structure.
Due to the varied scope, purpose and content of the individual standards, international standards and grid
codes relate to each other in different ways:
· International standards can be referred to either fully or partly from within the grid code. For example,
grid codes often specify power quality requirements by referring to the relevant standards rather than
defining power quality explicitly.
· International standards can be used as a reference when writing a grid code and modified according to
the specific needs of a country.
· International standards which govern the connection of VRE generators can in some cases be used in
place of a grid code (see box below).
There are many advantages to using international standards within grid codes. Referring to international
standards saves the investment of time and resources when writing grid code requirements from scratch. It
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provides some guarantee that the requirements have been tested and reviewed in other countries. It is also
easier for manufacturers to conform to international standards than to comply with each different national
set of rules. These cost savings can then be passed to the consumer.
Grid codes must be tailored to the specific requirements of individual countries. It is important to ensure that
the international standards referred to make sense for that country. System operators responsible for grid
codes also often take part in the development of standards. However, as more stakeholders are involved,
revising international standards may prove to be more difficult than simply changing national regulations.
Countries usually strike a balance by writing their own grid codes and selectively referring to specific inter-
national standards where appropriate or in areas where there are no known considerations specific to that
country. Since grid code harmonisation across countries is still desirable, standards concerning additional
aspects of VRE grid connection are emerging and may shift the relationship between standards and grid
codes in the coming years.
3.2 Development process

The process of developing and maintaining a grid code is outlined in Figure 5. A grid code must be sensitive
to the developing needs of the power system so grid codes are often regularly revised on the basis of feed-
back and implementation and experience.
Figure 5: Typical grid code development process [1]
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3.3 Implementation
The fulfilment of grid code requirements may require additional investment by VRE and conventional gener-
ator operators and/or other stakeholders such as manufacturers. If these extra costs are too onerous for
these stakeholders, new generators may not get built and VRE generation targets might not be reached.
The fulfilment of grid codes can be facilitated in two ways through policy instruments. Firstly, stakeholders
can be consulted in the process of drafting the rules. Secondly, support mechanisms can be provided to
incentivise the fulfilment of advanced technical and operational capabilities.
The collection of stakeholder feedback (e.g. from manufacturers and operators) during the draft phase of
both technical requirements and operational regulations is an important step. It ensures that requirements
can be met without too much effort from the generators.
Policy makers and network operators or regulators can compensate the costs of advanced capabilities either
through existing support mechanisms, such as feed-in tariffs, or by directly incentivising VRE equipment to
meet VRE grid code requirements. The cost to generators of grid code compliance will arise anyway. How-
ever, providing a defined way for generator operators to recover this cost encourages investment, drives
technology development and decreases costs in the long run.
3.4 Enforcement
The legal status and enforcement of grid codes vary from country to country depending on the institutional
set-up of their power and legal system. In some countries, the grid code is both mandated and established
in law. This means non-compliance with grid code requirements counts as a civil penalty, which can result
in fines. In other countries, the development and publication of technical grid connection conditions by the
network operators is mandated by law. However, the requirements are only a precondition for the network
operator to connect the VRE unit.
Mechanisms to verify compliance with grid connection codes by generators should be in place. Certification
is a way to assure compliance with the grid code but it requires resources and technical capacity. Rather
than checking that each individual VRE unit fulfils the grid code requirements of particular manufacturer
models, network operators can mandate VRE grid code compliance through certification mechanisms. They
can then stipulate in the grid code that the VRE operator only needs to present the certificate for its generator
model to be able to connect to the grid. This can lower costs and encourage a higher VRE share.
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4 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VRE INTEGRATION

This chapter provides information on technical requirements to be considered in the development of a VRE
grid code. Each of the requirements is briefly explained to provide the context to why and when it is needed.
Requirements set out in VRE grid codes cover a variety of issues. This include, for example, basic power
quality and system support during normal operation (contribution to voltage control and increasingly also
frequency support). It includes specific behaviour during disturbances, such as short circuit current contri-
bution and system protection requirements. Generator manufacturers may be encouraged to innovate in
order to implement each requirement if technology does not inherently comply with needs.
VRE grid code technical connection rules often have to be implemented not only by individual generators,
but require a system approach. Communication requirements ensure that a co-ordinated real-time system
operation remains possible even where there is a high instantaneous VRE share. Simulation model require-
ments are imposed by grid codes or by system operators to ensure that system planning and design remains
feasible in continuously changing systems.
4.1 General description of the technical requirements

The main driver for new requirements for VRE generators is the level instantaneous share of VRE with
respect to the load during system operation (VRE share). Table 1 presents the minimum set of technical
requirements for VRE connection according to the level of VRE share in a given system2.
Table 1: Overview of technical requirements for VRE connection according to VRE share (adapted from
[1])
VRE PENETRATION
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
LEVEL
• Protection
• Power quality
Always needed
• Power reduction during over-frequency
• Commissioning and compliance tests
• Communication
Low VRE share • Adjustable reactive power
• Constraining active power (active power management)
• LVRT including current contribution

Higher VRE share
• Simulation models
• Voltage control
• Active power gradient limitation
Very high VRE share
• Reduced output duration mode for reserve provision
• Synthetic inertia
2
It should be noticed that the classification according to VRE share are system-dependent. These values should be
seen from the perspective of the expected impact of VRE in a given system for different penetration levels. All listed
requirements remain necessary when the next VRE share level is reached.
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VRE PENETRATION
LEVEL
• Stand-alone frequency control

• Full integration into general frequency control scheme
Exclusive use of VRE
• Stand-alone voltage control
• Full integration into general voltage control scheme
The following sub-sections briefly describe the different technical requirements for VRE connection typically
imposed in grid codes around the world.
4.1.1 Voltage and frequency ranges

Voltage and frequency operation ranges describe how much the voltage and frequency at the point of con-
nection may vary from their nominal values. All equipment must be able to remain in operation within those
ranges. This requirement also defines the conditions where disconnection of the VRE power plant are al-
lowed (from the steady-state point of view3).
Outside the given tolerances, generators must remain operational for a minimum period or may disconnect
immediately depending on the magnitude of the disturbance. The time intervals specified provide a safety
margin for the system operator to respond to disturbances.
A typical voltage tolerance band for non-constrained generator operation is ±10% of the nominal value. The
frequency tolerance is usually much smaller, around ±2% in large power systems.
4.1.2 Power quality

The nature of VRE technologies (e.g. inverter-based generators) results in voltage and current waveform
distortions and short-term fluctuations. These deviations are classified according to their characteristics and
can be measured with appropriate instruments and methods. They are referred to as “power quality” issues
and are location- and time-specific in an electrical system.
All generators have an inherent influence on at least some aspect of power quality in their vicinity. This
influence depends on the generator technology and therefore differs between conventional and VRE gener-
ators. VRE connection codes set rules corresponding to several aspects of generator influence, aiming at
ensuring compliance with certain voltage quality levels for all equipment and connected users.
The following is usually defined as power quality requirements in a grid code:
· Limits for voltage and current harmonics injection for each asset connected to the grid;
· Limits for voltage variations at the point of connection (e.g. flicker).
4.1.3 Reactive power capability

Conventional generators in large power plants provide a wide reactive power capability range which is ex-
tensively used for regulating the voltage across the network. However, due to the different generator tech-
nology, VRE generators have more constrained reactive power capability ranges.
The desired reactive power capability ranges of VRE power plants must be explicitly considered at the design
stage of the power plant given that additional reactive power compensation equipment might be necessary,
which may result in a significant impact on the power plant costs.
3
These requirements are set for permanent (continuous) deviations from the nominal values.
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4.1.4 Frequency support

VRE generators depend on the fluctuating availability of primary energy for their power injection into the grid.
Tuning the capabilities of VRE generators to the requirements of power balancing during disturbances re-
lieves the stress on conventional capacity that must be retained for frequency control. It thus encourages
higher VRE penetration, while maintaining the same levels of frequency stability.
The desired response of generators to frequency disturbances depends on the type of imbalance. Too high
a frequency indicates a surplus of generation, in which case the power injected into the grid should be
reduced. Too low a frequency indicates a lack of generation so that power injection should be increased in
order to avoid load shedding.
It is common to require from VRE power plants the capability to reduce its active power output in case of
over-frequency events. The provision of frequency regulation by VRE power plants in case of under-fre-
quency events is not a standard practice around the world4.
The following points need to be taken into account regarding support from VRE to frequency control:
· VRE generation is not particularly well suited to providing frequency control. However, support
measures for frequency disturbances are available through VRE;
· During episodes of over-frequency, VRE generators should first gradually reduce their power output
while remaining connected to the grid. They should only disconnect at a specified threshold with suffi-
cient margin to the nominal frequency. Such requirements are already part of most VRE grid codes;
· To provide reserve power during episodes of under-frequency, a VRE plant would need to be capable
of reduced output operation mode. This involves spilling free primary energy and is still under discussion
in most countries due to related issues concerning the power market and priority feed-in.
4.1.5 Behaviour during and just after faults

A key technical requirement for VRE generators relates to their behaviour during and just after faults. The
generators must remain connected during the fault so that the proper fault detection is not compromised.
Generators also need to remain connected after fault clearance so that the power balance in the system is
maintained after the fault is cleared.
Requirements imposed on VRE generation in terms of fault behaviour resemble the requirements imposed
to conventional generators. The code provides, at minima, the exact descriptions of:
· Conditions when generators must remain connected to the grid after the initial voltage dip that correlates
with the short-circuit;
· Desired short-circuit current contribution during fault in order to support fault detection.
This requirement is very technology-dependent. Conventional generators are inherently capable of providing
high short-circuit currents. However, the provision of these higher than nominal currents from VRE genera-
tors must be considered in the generator design, which my incur in a significant impact on generator costs.
4.1.6 Active power gradient limit

In cases of moderate to high VRE shares, the power injection ramps caused by fluctuating primary source
become a relevant factor concerning the sizing and allocation of operating reserves. Power plants providing
frequency regulation services present limited ramping capabilities. This means ramps power ramps caused
by VRE that greatly exceed the usual ramps also change the magnitude of necessary ramping capacity. In
4
For a VRE generator to provide regulation in under-frequency events it is needed that the plant be operated below its
maximum power point or be equipped with a local energy storage unit, which increases significantly the operational
and capital expenditures, respectively.
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contrast to the aforementioned frequency support requirement, the objective of this requirement is not the
response to disturbances but the probability that such disturbances will be caused by VRE fluctuations.
The maximum power ramps induced by VRE can be adapted to the ramping capability limits of the frequency
regulation services by imposing ramping constraints on VRE power plants. The easiness of implementing
such ramping constraints depends on the cause of the power ramps. An increase in primary power can be
mitigated relatively easily by limiting the power injection ramp. However, a quick unforeseen decrease in
primary power can only be limited if local energy storage can be released when the power injection drops
too fast. Besides primary energy fluctuations, ramps can also result from a number of events. These include
VRE plant start-up and shutdowns in normal operation and during or after fault incidents, wind park shutdown
during high winds, and activation or deactivation of reduced output operation modes. Limiting the resulting
ramps in these situations is common practice.
4.1.7 Active power management

Effective active power balancing in power system operation in systems containing a rising share of VRE
generation requires that VRE generators be able to manage its active power output.
Since VRE generator power injection primarily depends on the availability of wind and solar radiation, its
manageability differs greatly from that of conventional generators. VRE generators depend on external con-
ditions for available output power and have almost no minimum operating level. VRE generation is made
accessible to power plant dispatch mechanisms by communicating maximum output levels; the generators
then limit their power output accordingly when sufficient resources for higher output are available.
VRE generator active power management is desirable even in power markets with VRE priority dispatch.
This is because they can then contribute to grid congestion management and stability. When a significant
VRE share is reached, VRE generators thus need to provide active power management capabilities.
4.1.8 Communication
Power system operation requires communication in multiple ways. Real-time measurement data transmis-
sion is necessary to assess the system state. Control commands (e.g. desired state of switching equipment,
generator setpoints, etc.) must be communicated to the corresponding actors. Communication must there-
fore extend to all significant generation assets, and security of communication must be provided in order not
to risk system operation in case of communication failures.
In addition to the need of monitoring the power plant operation, VRE power plants need communication
interfaces to implement the advanced features required by the grid code. Active power management and
power reduction for reserve provision purposes is especially relevant. However, gradient limitations and
reactive power controllability all also necessitate dynamic control access by the system operator.
Requirements for communication should be based on international standards to avoid vendor dependency,
encourage competition and ensure cost efficiency.
4.1.9 Protection
Grid codes not only specify when generators need to remain connected to the grid during faults, but also
stipulate requirements of how the protection system at the point of connection shall be designed and which
settings are to be used. Generator owners are normally responsible for additional measures that prevent
damage to the equipment internal to the power plant. All settings should be compatible with the requirements
concerning fault behaviour.
4.1.10 Provision of simulation models

System operators and planners often use computer simulations to predict the behaviour of their grid, espe-
cially the transient behaviour in fault incidents or extreme events. These simulations depend on reasonably
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complete and accurate models of the grid and the generator systems dominating its behaviour. Grid opera-
tors and planners depend on plant operators to provide models for their power plants. Generator owners are
thus often required by the system operator to hand in simulation models that adequately represent the real
behaviour of the plant in a specified format before they are allowed to connect their unit to the grid.
Correlating with system impact, simulation models are usually required for the large power plants (including
VRE). They are also required for smaller plants connected to lower voltage levels with an increasing share
of distributed generation. To maintain the accuracy of the operator’s general system models, rules on plant
models in grid codes cover model functionality, accuracy and validation procedures. The models are usually
developed and provided by the project developers.
4.2 Advanced requirements

This section briefly describes technical requirements that are not commonly included in grid codes around
the world. They relate to system-specific characteristic or behaviour that should be supported or mitigated
by VRE power plants.
4.2.1 Synthetic inertia

The activation of primary reserves through primary frequency control usually takes a few seconds after the
occurrence of the active power unbalance. It is essential that this delay be tuned to the maximum rate of
change of frequency (RoCoF) expected in the system to limit the magnitude of any frequency excursion.
The maximum RoCoF primarily depends on the inertia of the rotating masses of the synchronous generators
connected to the system and the magnitude of the power imbalance.
Converter-based VRE generators do not intrinsically provide inertia. At a high instantaneous penetration of
VRE generation, the remaining conventional generation from synchronous machines may not be sufficient
to guarantee a minimum level of inertial response. The RoCoF might then be too high for the system to
remain within the designated frequency limits in the case of the highest expected imbalance.
Advanced control methods at VRE generator control systems allow the emulation of the inertial response
through a functionality known as synthetic inertia. Such implementation entails significant design effort and
may also necessitate additional hardware components. Agreeing on rules for future VRE grid codes thus
involves considerable research, development and discussion. Once achieved, such rules can help raise the
limits of achievable VRE penetration.
4.2.2 Black-start capability

System operators must be able to re-start the system after a blackout. The ability to start a generation plant
without any external power source is called black-start capability. Such power plants are the centre from
which the step-by-step process of system energisation sets off. The most common sources of black-start
capability are particular hydropower plants and individual thermal plants with local black-start gensets.
VRE generator units alone cannot easily provide black-start capability, although their primary power supply
may be available at a time when this function may be needed. The main obstacle is the ability to perform
effective frequency control and voltage control in an islanded operation, implying for example a quick match
of generation to the connected load. This would need to work both for a single unit as well as for a set of
different units while enlarging the island and possibly connecting with other islands. Any method for imple-
menting black-start capability with VRE generation would usually include a conventional generator or storage
system capable of fast balancing. Hence, including black-start in a VRE grid code would always apply at the
plant level and not at the generator unit level.
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4.2.3 Oscillation damping

The connection of rotating machines to an electrical power system forms a system prone to electromechan-
ical oscillations. If there is a lack of damping, such oscillations pose a threat to system stability and can lead
to equipment damage.
Studies are being conducted to analyse whether or how the increasing share of VRE generation changes
the oscillatory behaviour of large power systems. Depending on the outcome of these research, VRE gen-
erators may be required to contribute to the active damping of certain kinds of oscillations. This could include
lower order and inter-area oscillations caused by synchronous generators swinging against each other.
Some means of damping oscillations may even be easier to fulfil for a converter than for a synchronous
generator.
4.2.4 Contribution to unbalanced faults [2]

Asymmetrical faults in transmission lines are the most frequent type of faults in power systems5 [3]. However,
most of the grid codes do not have explicit requirements for these frequently occurring asymmetrical faults6.
Converter-based VRE generators don’t have intrinsic capabilities of providing asymmetrical fault currents.
Because of that characteristics, high VRE shares might entail malfunctioning of the protection systems due
to the lack of unbalanced fault current support.
The European framework for the grid codes defined by ENTSO-E, in its Requirements for Generators (EN-
TSO-E RfG7), has kept the asymmetrical fault requirements as a future development to be defined in a case-
by-case approach at national level8.
It is known that the negative sequence response of VRE generators during asymmetrical faults impact the
grid in terms of over-voltages at the non-faulty phases, further distortion of the balance of the voltages, and
secure operation of the protection system, especially with high VRE shares. Therefore, special requirements
for asymmetrical fault response are starting to be discussed in revisions of existing grid codes (e.g. the new
grid codes for high voltage [4] and medium voltage [5] networks in Germany).
4.3 Studies to be carried out to determine the parameters of the

requirements
Setting the parameters of many requirements means investigating the needs of the power system. Require-
ments must consider the capabilities of available generator systems in order not to obstruct VRE adoption.
The following studies are usually needed:
· Load flow studies to investigate the necessary reactive power capabilities of generators; consulting
manufacturers need to identify the capabilities of existing products and evaluate potential cost of ex-
tended capabilities;
· Static and dynamic short circuit studies for evaluating protection and LVRT requirements;
· Ramping study on reserve requirements and gradient limitations, ideally including frequency stability
study.
5
Typical values:
- Single line-to-ground faults: 70%; line-to-line faults: 15%; double line-to-ground faults: 10%; symmetrical
faults: 5%.
6
A historical reason for this fact is that synchronous generators provide unbalanced fault currents during faults as an
intrinsic characteristic of the machine.
7
Reference: https://www.entsoe.eu/network_codes/rfg/
8
ENTSO-E RfG statement: “… with regard to the supply of fast fault current in case of asymmetrical (1-phase or 2-
phase) faults, the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO shall have the right to specify a re-
quirement for asymmetrical current injection.” And “Fault-ride-through capabilities in case of asymmetrical faults shall
be specified by each TSO”.
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This list only includes studies relating to VRE grid code parameter creation and should be added to studies
to be conducted for system planning and operation purposes.
4.4 Implementation
Depending on the type of VRE generation, technical requirements imposed on generators can be easy to
implement or require significant effort. The subsection below therefore lists the most important technologies
and provides a brief discussion on the ease of implementation of different technical requirements. Since
requirements are also of different importance from a power system and VRE share perspective, another
subsection follows that provides a prioritisation of requirements within the power system context. The last
subsection in this chapter lists the most important types of studies that help determine the technical param-
eters of requirements when drafting or revising a VRE grid code.
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5 INTERNATIONAL GRID CODE BENCHMARK

This chapter aims at observing the state of the art in terms of requirements imposed to VRE for the connec-
tion to the transmission grid. This analysis will serve as a basis for assessing the technical requirements for
VRE power plants defined in the Brazilian grid code
The chapter is organized as follows:
· Section 5.1 explains the methodology followed for reviewing the grid codes. Particularly, the choice of
the selected grid codes is justified.
· Section 5.2 provides a classification of the generating units for the countries reviewed between Syn-
chronous Generators (SG), mainly used for conventional generation but also for CSP and converter-
based VRE.
· Section 5.3 goes through the grid connection requirements. Section 5.3.1 details the requirements for
synchronous generators while section 5.3.2 details the peculiarities of converter-based VRE.
5.1 Methodology
This state of the art is established by comparing the grid codes of several operators around the world in
order to integrate different points of view. The following countries were considered:
· Belgium
· Canada
· Denmark
· Germany
· Spain
· The Philippines
· United Kingdom (UK)
These countries were chosen to cover:
· Different VRE technologies: solar (PV and CSP), wind, etc.
· Different types of power systems around the world: Europe, America, Asia
· Significant VRE shares in their energy mix:
· Denmark is a pioneer of wind energy
· Germany has a very high VRE integration level
· Belgium combines a mix of VRE with strong inflexible generation basis (about 60% of nuclear)
· grids presenting similar characteristics than the Brazilian grid:
· Canada, Germany and UK present long transmission lines
· UK and Canada have few interconnections with neighbouring countries and these interconnections
are mostly HVDC.
· Canada and Philippines are operated in 60 Hz
· Spain has utility-scale CSP.
These arguments are summarized in the table on the next page.
The grid codes of the corresponding transmission system operators (TSO) were examined. Sometimes sev-
eral companies operate the network of a single country, or several operators worked together to release a
single grid code.
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· In Canada, there are different utilities in each geographical region. This document focuses on the British
Columbia area, where BC Hydro is in charge of the transmission grid.
· In Germany, the TSOs released a common grid code but each of them also has its own grid code with
more recent updates. The requirements applied in one of the TSO have been analysed.
· In United Kingdom, in the grid code, when different rules apply for England, Wales and Scotland, the
rules for England are presented.
The table below shows, for each country, the voltage levels managed by the TSO.
Table 2: Transmission System Operators selected for the grid code review
COUNTRY COMPANY VOLTAGE LEVEL
Belgium ELIA 380 to 30 kV
Canada (British Columbia) BC Hydro 500 to 60 kV
Denmark Energinet 400 to 132 kV
Germany Tennet TSO Gmbh 380 and 220 kV
Philippines TransCo 500 to 69 kV
Spain Red Electrica de España 220 to 400 kV
National Grid Electricity
UK 400, 275 and 132 kV
Transmission
This review of the grid codes considers only the requirements on VRE power plants. It first focuses on the
classification applied to the different resources, which can be different for each system operator. This clas-
sification is achieved with the purpose of associating different requirements to each class of resources,
depending on the issues faced by the operator in its network and on the characteristics of the resources.
The main classification factors are usually:
· The primary source of energy for generation: thermal, wind, solar…
· The size of the generation plant: MVA, MW…
· The connection voltage of the power plant
· The geographical location of the power plant and of its connection: onshore, offshore…
· The type of connection to the grid: AC line, AC cable, AC submarine cable, HVDC, VSC…
Table 3: Main characteristics of the systems for which the grid codes were evaluated9
LONG DIS- EXPECTED
SHARE EXPECTED EXPECTED
VRE TANCE HVDC INTER-
COUNTRY OF SHARE OF SHARE OF
SHARE TRANS- CONNEC-
NPP WIND SOLAR
MISSION TIONS
United
++ + ++ ++
Kingdom
Denmark +++ + +++
British Co-
lumbia + +++ + +
(Canada)
++
Belgium ++ ++ + +
(rooftop PV)
9
The legend of this table is the following. A “+” denotes a country that performs above average in the category of the
column, a “++” represent a country that for with the category is significant and a “+++” denotes a country which has to
modify greatly its power system development, planning and operation to allow its secure operation.
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LONG DIS- EXPECTED

SHARE EXPECTED EXPECTED
VRE TANCE HVDC INTER-
COUNTRY OF SHARE OF SHARE OF
SHARE TRANS- CONNEC-
NPP WIND SOLAR
MISSION TIONS
++
Philippines + ++ ++ (rooftop and
large PV)
+++
Germany ++ + + ++ (rooftop and
large PV)
++
Spain +++ + + +++ (utility-scale
CSP)
After this classification is assessed, the requirements for grid access and operation are investigated, for
each category. The issues examined are:
· Capabilities to stay connected: frequency and voltage tolerances, low voltage ride through, reactive
power capabilities;
· Power quality: phase unbalance, harmonics and flicker;
· Controls: active power/frequency regulation, voltage/reactive power regulation, excitation system, PSS
and damping;
· Protections and earthing philosophy;
· Islanding, synchronisation, black start capacities;
· Information exchange.
In all countries, the grid codes documents were initially written for onshore synchronous generators. Indeed,
in the past, the latter were the main generation technology connected to the network. Then these grid codes
had to be adapted, amended and/or completed with the growing development of new technologies such as
wind power, HVDC, offshore generation and distributed energy resources. Consequently, the presentation
of grid codes often follows the same structure: it first describes the minimum technical requirements for
onshore synchronous generators, and then provides amendments, or even sometimes dedicated docu-
ments, to particular issues concerning other technologies.
The presentation of the connection and operation conditions for the various categories follows the same
structure as well, presenting the grid codes requirements for onshore synchronous generators (including
VRE based on Synchronous Generation, if any) first, and then giving details and differences for Power Park
Modules (PPM) which are mainly for VRE.
The proposed definition for PPM is: a unit or ensemble of units generating electricity, which is connected to
the network non-synchronously or through power electronics, and has a single PoC to the transmission
system. It includes all wind and solar PV power plants, among others.
The full set of references used in this analysis is given in Annex A.
5.2 Classification of generation resources

The classification of the generation resources is done in order to associate different requirements to each
class of resources. The same requirements, in terms of operation and grid access conditions, are not im-
posed to a large thermal power plant and to a small domestic solar panel installation. Differences are made
based on the size (nominal power), the connection point (voltage level), the characteristics (type of alterna-
tor, energy source, etc.).
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Liberalisation of the electricity industry made it sometimes more complex due to the various stakeholders,
network operators in the same region, several documents sometimes overlapping, yielding a final classifica-
tion that does not always cover all possibilities.
This chapter is willing to identify the different categories of generation considered by the network operators
selected in this study.
Table 4 gives, for each country, the different categories of generation considered in the grid codes. A label
is given to each category. First, the category corresponding to Synchronous Generators (SG) is identified.
Second, a Power Park Module (PPM) label is put on the other categories. These categories differ from the
technology, the voltage of the connection point and the size of the rated power of the generation, but also
from other distinctions considered in the different grid code documents of each country.
Table 4: Classification of generating units

COUNTRY CATEGORY TYPE
Conventional units connected to transmission (30
SG
Belgium kV and higher)
Renewable units connected to transmission PPM
Conventional units connected in 60 kV and higher SG
Canada
Wind farms connected in 60 kV and higher PPM
Thermal Power Plant, larger size than 1.5 MW (ex-
SG
Denmark cept power converters)
Wind parks with size larger than 11 kW PPM
Conventional units connected to transmission grid
SG
(mainly 220 and 380 kV)
Germany
Offshore wind farms connected to transmission grid
PPM
(mainly 220 and 380 kV)
Thermal Power Plant SG
Large wind farm (>= 20 MW) PPM
Philippines Large PV solar parks (>=20 MW) PPM
Wind farm (<20 MW) PPM
PV solar parks (<20 MW) PPM
Conventional units connected to transmission (Pro-
SG
duction units with ordinary regime)
Spain
Dispatchable production units with special regime PPM
Production units with special regime PPM
Onshore synchronous generators connected in 132
SG
kV and higher
Offshore synchronous generators connected in 132
SG
kV and higher
Onshore non-synchronous generators connected in
PPM
132 kV and higher
Offshore non-synchronous generators connected in
PPM
United Kingdom 132 kV and higher
(UK) Onshore power parks connected in 132 kV and
PPM
higher
Offshore power parks connected in 132 kV and
PPM
higher
Onshore DC converters connected in 132 kV and
PPM
higher
Offshore DC converters connected in 132 kV and
PPM
higher
The table must be completed saying that:
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· In Belgium, PPM have the opportunity to fulfil a separate set of requirements, better adapted to non-
synchronous generation, than the main grid code requirements which were initially designed for syn-
chronous generating units.
· In Canada, British Columbia, the connection of DC power station is examined case by case by the TSO
to provide the minimum technical requirements. It is therefore not included in this analysis.
· In Denmark, as it is done in Belgium, exceptions are mentioned for power converters, but no information
could be found for the latter.
5.3 Connection and operation requirements

For all system operators, there is a main grid code document describing the minimum technical requirements
a generator has to comply with in order to be granted access to the grid. Each document is different while
covering similar topics, but focusing on the particular issues encountered in the network. Here are a few
examples:
· United Kingdom makes a clear difference between offshore and onshore wind farms. The other coun-
tries treat wind farms in general and sometimes make differences for offshore.
· UK grid code does not extend on small signal stability issues and Power System Stabilizer tuning, while
British Columbia’s grid code does, because it is a more important issue in Canada.
· Philippines have articles dedicated to solar PV units. Other countries will cover it as “DC connection”
like UK, while other will not mention it and let the rules of the main grid code apply.
· In Spain, units are divided into controllable and non-controllable sources. The access to capacity allo-
cation and system services markets is made easier to controllable sources. By default, all renewables
are non-controllable. However, solar thermal plants can apply to the status of controllable source by
fulfilling a set of requirements given in an appendix. These requirements relate to the ability to respond
to a setpoint change (upwards and downwards), the depth and efficiency of the storage system.
Also, the structures of the documents are different. While Germany and Denmark have dedicated documents
for offshore wind farms, UK integrates every different possible technology in the same document.
The goal of this chapter is to summarize and compare the requirements of the different grid code documents.
For the sake of simplicity, the first section focuses only on conventional synchronous generators. Then, the
second section deals with VRE power plants. This method will emphasize the differences in requirements
with conventional synchronous generators.
Inside each section, various topics are treated one by one: frequency and voltage tolerances, low voltage
ride through, reactive power capabilities, power quality, etc. Some topics are not treated: network overloads,
faults currents levels, isolation, information (data questionnaire, software modelling and validation, etc.).
These issues are relevant but similar in all grid codes and independent from the generation types.
5.3.1 Synchronous generators

This section focuses only on synchronous generators, connected to high voltage transmission networks. It
is historically the most frequent type of generation.
5.3.1.1 Capabilities to stay connected

Operation requirements are here investigated:
· Frequency: frequency ranges for which the generator must remain connected, sometimes with time
delays before authorized disconnection, and with requirements on the active power output levels and
changes.
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· Voltage: Voltage ranges for which the generator must remain connected, sometimes with time delays
before authorized disconnection, and often function of the frequency.
· Fault ride through (FRT): Voltage dips with duration, whether or not associated to faults, for which the
generator has to remain connected to the grid, sometimes with active and reactive power requirements.
· Power factor and reactive power capabilities: P/Q ranges required.
Frequency:
Table 5: Frequency operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators)
CONTINUOUS CONTINUOUS
OPERATION AT OPERATION AT OPERATION WITH DELAY
COUNTRY
CONSTANT ADJUSTABLE BEFORE DISCONNECTION
RATED POWER POWER
See Figure 12 See Figure 12 and in addition
and in addition for for all voltage value for fre-
Belgium all voltage value quency ranges [48 Hz; 48.5 Hz]
with the range and [51 Hz; 52.5 Hz]
48.5 to 51 Hz
For frequencies in For frequency ranges [56.4 Hz;
Canada the range 59.5 to 59.5 Hz] and [60.5 Hz; 61.7 Hz]
60.5 Hz (see Figure 6)
For frequencies in For frequency ranges [47 Hz;
Denmark the range 49 to 49 Hz] and [50.5 Hz; 53 Hz]
50.5 Hz (See Figure 7)
For frequencies in For frequency ranges [47.5 Hz;
Germany the range 49 to 49 Hz] and [50.5 Hz; 51.5 Hz]
50.5 Hz (See Figure 8 and Figure 9)
For frequencies in For frequencies below 59.6 and
Philippines the range 59.7 to above 60.4 Hz for at least 5
60.3 Hz seconds
Below 48 Hz for 3 seconds.
Spain
Above 51.5 Hz
For frequencies in For frequency ranges [47 Hz;
UK the range 49 to Figure 11 49 Hz] and [51 Hz; 52 Hz] (See
51 Hz Figure 10)
Figure 6: Frequency tolerances and delays for SG in Canada
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Figure 7: Frequency tolerances, delays and authorized active power reduction for SG in Denmark
Figure 8: Authorized active power reduction in case of low frequency for SG in Germany
Figure 9: Frequency envelope in which there may be no active power output limitation – Germany
Figure 10: Frequency tolerances and delays for SG in United Kingdom
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Figure 11: Authorized active power reduction in case of low frequency for SG in United Kingdom
Voltage:
Table 6: Voltage operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators)
COUNTRY REQUIREMENT
Belgium Figure 12
Maintain constant active power between 0.95 and 1.05 pu
Canada
Remain connected between 0.9 and 1.1 pu (Figure 13)
Denmark Figure 14
Germany Figure 15
Maintain constant active power between 0.95 and 1.05 pu
Philippines
Remain connected between 0.9 and 1.1 pu
Maintain operation and active power output for normal grid voltage
conditions are:
Spain
- From 390 to 420 kV for 400 kV level
- From 205 to 245 kV to 220 kV level
Maintain constant active power in the +/-5% range.
UK
Q range available for V+-5% for all voltage levels
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Figure 12: V/f range for Belgium to stay connected for an unlimited time in the hatched area and with a
commonly agreed time in the white area
Figure 13: Voltages range for Canada
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Figure 14: Voltages tables and V/f range for Denmark
Figure 15: V/f range with permitted active power reduction for Germany
Fault ride through:

Table 7: Fault ride through - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators)
COUNTRY VOLTAGE LEVELS AND DELAYS
Two envelopes to be supported depending on event: fault ride through
Belgium
or low voltage ride through
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Canada See Figure 13

Different envelopes for connection above and below 100 kV
· 3 ph above 100 kV
Denmark
· 1 or 2 ph above 100 kV
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· Envelope for station connected at lower level than 100 kV
Germany
Philippines No requirement
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Spain
P rejection allowed, proportionally to V dip, taking into account even-

tual intermittent character of primary source. Q support mandatory. P
must recover to 90% of Pinit 0.5s after V is back to normal values.
· 140 ms 3ph fault to be supported (without more details on inter-
mediate voltages during recovery, after fault clearing)
· Fault lasting longer than 140 ms
UK onshore
Choice must be made between the same requirements as UK onshore

UK offshore or new requirements expressed from the point of view of the LV side of
the platform
Power factor and reactive power capabilities:

Table 8: Power factor and reactive power capabilities - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous
generators)
COUNTRY REQUIREMENT
If Pn> 1MVA, -10% to 33% Pn
Belgium
if Pn>25 MVA, -10% Pn to 45% Pn between 0.9 and 1.05 pu
Canada all P with 0.9 overexcited and 0.95 under excited
If connection point > 100 kV, then -0.2<tgphi<0.4
Denmark
If connection point < 100 kV, then
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Germany
Philippines Pn with 0.85 lagging and 0.90 leading

0.989 lagging and 0.989 leading (15% of the net active power) for all
Spain
power levels from Pmin to Pmax
Pn with 0.85 lagging and 0.95 leading. Lower P => generator perfor-
UK onshore
mance chart
UK offshore Q=0 at all active power levels, or agreed otherwise
5.3.1.2 Phase unbalance, harmonics and flicker

This section looks at the requirements in terms of power quality:
· Phase unbalance: the unbalance between the three phases of the current and voltage waves.
· Harmonics: the maximum allowable presence of voltage and current waves at frequencies multiple of
the nominal frequency.
· Flicker and voltage variations: the rapid changes of voltage amplitude.
Table 9: Phase unbalance, harmonics and flicker - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous gener-
ators)
FLICKER AND
COUNTRY PHASE UNBALANCE HARMONICS VOLTAGE VARIA-
TIONS
Belgium IEC 61000 IEC 61000 IEC 61000
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FLICKER AND
COUNTRY PHASE UNBALANCE HARMONICS VOLTAGE VARIA-
TIONS
Canada 1% phase voltage and IEEE Std 519 See Figure 16
5% phase current
Denmark IEC 61000 IEC 61000 IEC 61000
No requirement No requirement de- No requirement de-
fined. fined.
Germany Checked by TSO Checked by TSO
during grid connec- during grid connec-
tion study tion study
Philippines Zero and negative se- Should ensure that V steps 1% max
quences voltage imbal- levels in Figure 17 V changes 3% max if
ance below 1% and Figure 18 are re- not steps
spected
5% of inverse current
Spain must be supported by
the unit
V imbalance below 1% Engineering recom- Engineering recom-
in Wales and England, mendation G5/4, ap- mendation P28
below 2% in Scotland. pendix A for onshore
UK
generation
To be agreed for off-
shore generation
Figure 16: Flicker and voltage variations tolerated in Canada
Figure 17: Maximum harmonic voltage distortion factors in the Philippines
Figure 18: Maximum harmonic current distortion factors in the Philippines
5.3.1.3 Controls
The two different controls usually required on generators are here investigated:
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· Active power/frequency control: obligation of providing primary frequency control, permissible droop
and dead band range, response performance, etc.;
· Reactive power/voltage control: obligation of providing primary voltage control, permissible droop,
damping performance, etc.
P/f control:
Table 10: P/f control - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators)
DEAD-
COUNTRY PRIMARY DROOP PERFORMANCE
BAND
50% within 15s, 100% within
Belgium Not mandatory 30s
Sustainable for 15 min
IEEE Std 125 Section 4 for
Max +/- 36
Canada Speed control available 5% hydro and Std 122 Section 4
mHz
for ST
Between 2 Max +/-200
Denmark Mandatory Table with ramp rates
and 8% mHz
Full activation for 200 mHz
Max +/-10 deviation. 100% reserve
Germany Mandatory if >100MW adjustable
mHz provided within 30s
(Figure 9)
Maximum response time of
5 s and 25 s for primary and
Philippines Mandatory 5% or less
secondary control respec-
tively
Unblock 1.5% Pnom in 15s
Spain Mandatory Not allowed
for deviation of 100 mHz
Response according to en-
Between 3 Max +/-15
UK Mandatory velope (appendix 3 of the
and 5% mHz
grid code)
V/Q control:
Table 11: V/Q control - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators)
COUNTRY REGULATION DROOP DAMPING
If Pn>25 MW, Automatic Voltage Range
Regulation (AVR), continuous, V given for
setpoint adjustable on demand units with
Belgium
If Pn<25MW, no AVR, Q setpoint Pn>25MW
adjustable on demand within a
range agreed
Continuous voltage support. V and PSS mandatory,
Q control, with adaptation on de- tuned by TSO
Canada mand.
Particular requirements on excita-
tion system capabilities
Automatic, continuous V control for Non oscillating for
all voltage levels, adjustable on de- a 10% V in-
mand crease, with time
+Automatic tgphi control if con- requirements.
Denmark
nected above 100 kV PSS mandatory if
Particular requirements on excita- >25 MW
tion system capabilities Overshoot limita-
tion
Mandatory. Constant V control can
Germany
be required
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COUNTRY REGULATION DROOP DAMPING

Mandatory. Control the terminal PSS need and
voltage. Performances to be speci- performance to
Philippines fied in the Connection Agreement be specified in
the Connection
Agreement
Spain Mandatory. Control the terminal See Figure
voltage and adapt reactive power to 19
follow TSO voltage requests
Automatic, continuous, constant
UK voltage control (Details in appendix
6 of grid code)
Figure 19: Reactive power range requirements in function of the voltage – Spain
5.3.1.4 Earthing and protections

This section treats about earthing and protection philosophy
· Earthing: ground connection rules;
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· Protections: mandatory and recommended protections (types, settings, delays…).
Table 12: Earthing and protections - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators)
NON-MANDA-
MANDATORY
COUNTRY EARTHING TORY PROTEC-
PROTECTIONS
TIONS
Belgium To be discussed Grid operator indi- Discussed and de-
and agreed with cates the protec- tailed in the con-
grid operator tions on the connection agreement
nection contract
Canada Source of ground May be required to Recommended:
current required on participate to SPS negative sequence
HV side Over/under V/f
mandatory (WECC
compliant settings)
Overcurrent
Denmark According to speci- Figure 20 Figure 21
fications from grid
utility
Germany To be discussed To be discussed To be discussed
and agreed with and agreed with and agreed with
grid operator grid operator grid operator
Min distance relay
on connection link
with defined set-
tings
Philippines In 115 kV and Connection protec-
above: Earth fault tion with min clear-
factor of 1.4 max, ing times
HV side of trans- Circuit breaker fail-
former must be Y ure
with neutral availa- Loss of excitation
ble and LV connec- Pole slipping
tion and grounding
to be specified by
the Grid Owner.
To be decided by
the Grid owner be-
low 115 kV
Spain To be discussed To be discussed ”Criterios gener-
and agreed with and agreed with ales de protección
grid operator. grid operator. del system eléc-
trico peninsular es-
pañol”
UK Earth fault factor of Connection protec- Pole slipping (may
1.4 max tion with min clear- be required by grid
Transformer Y HV ing times operator)
config suitable for Circuit breaker fail-
connection to ure
earth. LV and Main and back-up
earthing arrange- protection delays
ment such that Loss of excitation
earth fault factor is
respected
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Figure 20: Mandatory protections and settings – Denmark
Figure 21: Supplementary protections and settings – Denmark
5.3.1.5 Islanding, black-start and synchronisation

This section covers the following topics:
· Islanding: requirements for islanding capabilities or permissions. It concerns islanding of the sole facility
(house-load islanding) and islanding with part of the grid customers supplied by the plant.
· Black start: requirements for energizing the grid from a no voltage situation.
· Synchronisation: requirements for synchronizing or re-synchronizing the generator with the grid when
they are not operated in parallel.
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Table 13: Islanding, black-start and synchronisation - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous
generators
SYNCHRONISA-
COUNTRY ISLANDING BLACK START
TION
Not mandatory.
Specific require-
Allowed below 48 To be discussed
Belgium ments apply if an-
Hz with grid operator
cillary service is
provided.
Automatic equip-
May be required. No requirement. To ment required.
Canada To be specified by be discussed with Synchrocheck re-
BC hydro. grid operator. quired if parallel
path could exist
No requirement. To
<25 MW: no re- be discussed with
quirement grid operator.
Automatic equip-
Denmark >25 MW: require- Capable of ener-
ment required
ments, automatic gising dead grid
for some conditions from house load
operation.
>100 MW: must be
May be required by Automatic equip-
Germany able to support is-
the grid operator. ment required
landing
Philippines No requirement No requirement No requirement

Spain No requirement No requirement No requirement
May be required by
UK No requirement No requirement
the grid operator.
5.3.1.6 Information exchange

This section looks at the contribution required from the generators, in terms of information, to the different
operation aspects of the network such as generation and demand forecasts, maintenance and outages pe-
riods, ancillary services.
Table 14: Information exchange - comparison of different grid codes (synchronous generators
COUNTRY OPERATING CONDITIONS REQUIREMENTS
Must adhere to scheduling requirements (production sched-
Belgium
ule, maintenance periods forecasts, etc.)
Must adhere to scheduling requirements.
Canada Must provide generation scheduling or provide remote control
to TSO.
Comply with the provisions of relevant operation regulations
Denmark
issued by the TSO and with other agreements.
Mandatory to fulfil operation planning and power system man-
Germany
agement obligations
Maintain the capability declared in the Connection Agree-
ment, provide data to System Operator and Grid Owner, do
Philippines not disconnect unless there is a risk of damage or agreed by
System Operator, execute the instructions of the System Op-
erator.
Comply with the requirements and procedure described in the
UK grid code (production schedule, maintenance periods fore-
casts, etc.)
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5.3.2 VRE power plants

This section presents the minimum technical requirements for connecting VRE power plants to the grid in
the different grid codes examined. Per country, the different VRE generation categories identified are10:
· Belgium: Wind farms connected in 30 kV and higher
· Canada Wind: Wind farms connected in 60 kV and higher
· Canada HVDC: DC converters connected in 60 kV and higher
· Denmark Wind: Wind parks with size larger than 11 kW
· Germany RRG: All renewable units
· Germany Wind: Offshore wind farms connected to transmission grid (mainly 220 and 380 kV)
· Germany Converter: Units not directly connected to the grid (through converters)
· Philippines Wind: Wind farms with size larger than 20 MW
· Philippines Solar: Solar photovoltaic parks with size larger than 20 MW
· Philippines Small Wind: Wind farms with size lower than 20 MW
· Philippines Small Solar: Solar photovoltaic parks with size lower than 20 MW
· Spain special regime non-dispatchable: special regime units, including solar and wind, that are non-
dispatchable
· Spain special regime dispatchable: special regime units that are dispatchable (thermal solar with stor-
age)
· UK on NSG: Onshore non-synchronous generators connected in 132 kV and higher
· UK off NSG: Offshore non-synchronous generators connected in 132 kV and higher
· UK on PP: Onshore power parks connected in 132 kV and higher
· UK off PP: Offshore power parks connected in 132 kV and higher
· UK on DC: Onshore DC converters connected in 132 kV and higher
· UK off DC: Offshore DC converters connected in 132 kV and higher
For HVDC technology in Canada, the minimum technical requirements are defined case-by-case, depending
on the foreseen installation, by the TSO.
Among the different countries, only Denmark and Philippines have an independent grid code dedicated to
wind farms larger than 11 kW and for Philippines, a dedicated grid code for solar PV. For all other countries
studied, though dedicated documents may exist, they are always amendments to the main grid code docu-
ment.
It needs to be highlighted that VRE generators are often labelled “wind farm” while the particularities of the
requirements reflect the presence of power electronic converters and of the conversion of the energy from
DC voltage (within the plant) to AC voltage (at the connection point). This particularity is identical in both
wind and solar PV power plants and, therefore, requirements for wind farms power plants could be easily
applied to solar PV power plants.
Furthermore, explicit grid codes are mainly written for well expanded technologies (e.g. wind farms in Eu-
rope) or for technologies for which a large penetration level is expected (e.g. PV in Philippines) less common
technologies are usually treated case by case in bilateral agreements or barely mentioned in the grid codes.
Nevertheless, the grid codes are binding for these technologies. This is the case of CSP (which is very close
to synchronous generation with some adjustments)
10
It should be noticed that in some cases, requirements for HVDC systems are also included. This is due to the fact
that some system operators set common requirements for converter-based equipment in their grid codes
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Consequently, it is important to keep in mind that the requirements presented for the synchronous generators
in Section 5.3.1 are valid for all VRE power plants, unless stated otherwise in the tables below. The following
sections focus only on the differences.
5.3.2.1 Capabilities to stay connected
Frequency:
Table 15: Frequency operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
COUNTRY AND
DIFFERENCES WITH SG REQUIREMENTS
CATEGORY
Belgium wind See Table 16
In addition to the capability to stay connected, there is a manda-
tory disconnection below 47.5 Hz and above 52.5 Hz
Germany Wind Remain connected between 46.5 to 47.5 for 10 s
Remain connected between 51.5 to 53 Hz for 10 s
Beyond 46.5 and 53 Hz, disconnection after 300 ms
See Figure 22
Philippines See Figure 23
Wind, Solar and
Small Solar
Spain special No disconnection below 50.5 Hz for unit sizes above 10 MW
non-dispatchable Disconnection mandatory if frequency above 51 Hz for 200 ms
and if unit size is lower than 10 MW
Spain special Disconnection mandatory if frequency is above 51 Hz
dispatchable
UK DC See Figure 24
Table 16: Frequency range imposed for wind farms – Belgium

FREQUENCY RANGE DURATION
47.5 Hz – 48.5 Hz 90 minutes
48.5 Hz – 51 Hz Unlimited
51 Hz – 51.5 Hz 90 minutes
51.5 Hz – 52.5 Hz 10 seconds
Figure 22: Frequency range imposed for offshore wind farms – Germany
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Figure 23: Frequency range imposed for wind and solar power plants – Philippines
Figure 24: Active power (absorption) decrease for DC converters in case of frequency drop – UK
Voltage:
Figure 25: Voltage operation ranges - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
Belgium Wind Voltage above material limit (to be asked to TSO)
Voltage below 92.5%
Denmark Wind See Figure 26 and Figure 27
Philippines Wind, 5% reduction of active or reactive power may be allowed if the
Small Wind, Solar voltage goes beyond the range +/- 5%
and Small Solar
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Figure 26: Voltage limits for wind farm operation – Denmark
Figure 27: V/f range of operation for wind power plants - Denmark
Fault ride through:

Figure 28: Fault ride through - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
Belgium Wind Figure 29 and Figure 30: a profile in the blue zone is required by
the network operation
Canada Wind See Figure 31
Denmark Wind See Figure 32
Germany Converter See Figure 33
Philippines Wind and See Figure 34
Small wind
Spain special dis- Special thermo solar units using synchronous generator must sup-
patchable and non- port dips down to 0 pu for 1 s.
dispatchable Special thermo solar units not equipped with synchronous genera-
tor must support the envelope in Figure 36for 3ph faults, and the
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COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
same envelope with minimum level 0.5 pu instead of 0 pu for
phase to phase faults.
Wind farms must support the same requirements than synchro-
nous generators.
UK offshore Choice must be made between the same requirements as SG or
new requirements expressed from the point of view of the LV side
of the platform (see Figure 37and Figure 38)
UK Power park No requirement if operating at P<5% Pn or in case of such high
wind speed that 50% of the park has been shut down under emer-
gency conditions
Figure 29: FRT envelope for wind farms connected in 110 kV or above – Belgium
Figure 30: FRT envelope for wind farms connected below 110 kV – Belgium
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Figure 31: FRT envelope for wind farms – Canada
Figure 32: FRT envelope for wind farms larger than 1.5 MW (zone A: remain connected and operate nor-
mally, zone B: remain connected and offer full voltage support, zone C: disconnect) – Denmark
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Figure 33: FRT envelope for units not connected directly to the grid (through converters) – Germany
Figure 34: FRT envelope for wind farms – Philippines
Figure 35: FRT requirements for PV parks – Philippines
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Figure 36: FRT requirements for Special thermo solar units net equipped with synchronous generators –
Spain
Figure 37: FRT envelope requirement for a 140 ms fault – point of view from the LV side of the platform –
UK
Figure 38: FRT envelope requirement for a fault lasting more than 140 ms – point of view from the LV side
of the platform – UK
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Power factor and reactive power capabilities:

Table 17: Power factor and reactive power capabilities - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power
plants)
COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
Belgium Wind Reactive ranges for on-shore (Figure 39) and off-shore (Figure 40)
Canada Wind Power factor of 0.95 over and under excitation, at Pn. To be dis-
cussed for levels under Pn. Measured at point of interconnection.
Denmark Wind Four categories:
· Between 11 and 25 kW: if P>20%Pn, then 0.95 < cosphi < 1

· Between 25 kW and 1.5 MW: Figure 41
· Between 1.5 and 25 MW: Figure 42W
· Above 25 MW: Figure 43 and Figure 44
Germany Wind See Figure 45 and Figure 46

Philippines Wind See Figure 47
Philippines Solar Range between 0.95 leading and lagging
and Small Solar
UK onshore Capable of maintaining Q=0 transfer at all P and go up to 0.95 lead-
ing and lagging from 20 to 100% Pn. (Figure 48)
UK offshore Q=0 at all active power levels, or agreed otherwise
Figure 39: Reactive power requirements for on-shore wind farms – Belgium (blue area: mandatory, grey
area: not mandatory)
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Figure 40: Reactive power requirements for off-shore wind farms – Belgium (blue area: mandatory, grey
area: not mandatory)
Figure 41: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms between 25 kW and 1.5 MW – Denmark
Figure 42: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms between 1.5 MW and 25 MW – Denmark
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Figure 43: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms larger than 25 MW – Denmark
Figure 44: Reactive power capacity required for wind farms larger than 25 MW – Denmark
Figure 45: V/cosphi range of operation for wind farms with unrestricted power output – Germany
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Figure 46: P/Q requirements for wind farms when 0.95 pu< U <1.05 pu – Germany
Figure 47: P/Q requirements for wind farms – Philippines
Figure 48: P/Q requirements for wind farms (A and B = 0.95 lagging and leading, C and D = 5% Pnom, E =
12 % Pnom) – UK
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5.3.2.2 Phase unbalance, harmonics and flicker

Table 18: Phase unbalance, harmonics and flicker - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
Denmark Wind Rapid voltage changes: Figure 49
Flicker: see Figure 50 and Figure 51
Figure 49: Requirements on rapid voltages changes limitations for wind farms – Denmark
Figure 50: Flicker requirements for wind farms between 11 to 1500 kW – Denmark
Figure 51: Flicker requirements for wind farms larger than 1.5 MW – Denmark
5.3.2.3 Controls
P/f control:
Table 19: P/f control - - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
Belgium Wind Capable of decreasing the power with a rate of 10%
Pnom/min
If onshore, reduction can be required down to 60%Pnom in
Winter, 50% in Autumn and Spring, and 40% in Summer
If offshore, reduction can be required down to 50%Pnom in
Winter, 45% in Autumn and Spring, and 40% in Summer.
Over-frequency above 50.5 Hz => power reduction (Figure
52)
Canada Wind May be required to have frequency regulation for islanding
conditions if Pn >10 MW
Denmark Wind Complex droop curve allowing parameters tuning (Figure
53)
Constraints to be set up on max power, reserve level (if >25
MW), power gradients
Germany RRG Primary control not mandatory, even if >100 MW
Active power reduction in case of over-frequency (Figure
54)
Philippines Wind and Constant active power mode with gradients modification as
Solar per Figure 55.
Change requests must be started after 2 s and completed
after 30 s, with accuracy of 2% of entered value or 0.5% of
rated power, whichever the most constraining.
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COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
If frequency goes above 61Hz, the active power should be
decreased according to Figure 56.
If the frequency drops below 59Hz, the active power should
be set to Pmax.
Spain special dis- Accreditation mandatory to participate to services markets
patchable Change requests must be fulfilled within 15 minutes
UK others No requirements for off shore power park smaller than 50
MW
Figure 52: Active power reduction requirement in case of over-frequency for wind farms larger than 50 MW
– Belgium
Figure 53: Example of P/f primary control required for wind farms larger than 25 MW – Denmark
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Figure 54: Active power reduction in case of over-frequency for renewable generation units – Germany
Figure 55: Ramp rates limits for wind farms – Philippines
Figure 56: Active power decrease in case of over-frequency – Philippines
V/Q control:
Table 20: P/f control - - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
Belgium Wind Q control is required
Canada Wind PSS may be needed but not mandatory
Constant voltage control at point of interconnection
Q control may be required
Small farms (<10 MVA) may be dispensed from V control
Denmark Wind Q control, cosphi control and V control (with droop) mandatory
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COUNTRY AND
CATEGORY
V control in operation if >25 MW
Voltage support in case of voltage dip (Figure 57)
Germany Wind Reactive power changes should be applied within 30 s
Voltage support according to Figure 58
The HV/MV transformers must be equipped on their HV side with a
tap changer to provide +/- 13 % variation in +/- 6 steps
Germany Converter Voltage support according to Figure 59
Philippines Wind and Constant power factor or constant voltage control required, to be de-
Solar cided by the System Operator.
For 3ph faults, maximum possible current should be injected 150 ms
after the fault occurrence or elimination, as per shaded area in Figure
60. Before these 150 ms, net reactive power consumption should not
be higher than 60% Pn
For other faults, 150 ms after the fault occurrence or elimination, the
reactive power consumption cannot exceed 40% Pn and the active
power consumption cannot exceed 30%.
Spain special (dis- Special thermo solar units not equipped with synchronous generators:
patchable and non- - For voltage dips, should provide at least 2 times the nominal current.
dispatchable) - should have a voltage regulation/controller providing the same re-
sponse than a synchronous machine.
For wind farm, see Figure 61 for current injection during and after
faults for 3ph faults. (See “Resolución de 4 de octubre de 2006” for
phase to phase fault, and for details of current injection/absorption
limits)
Philippines Solar Constant power factor or constant voltage control required, to be de-
cided by the System Operator.
See Figure 60
Must be capable of injecting reactive power in the grid during the fault
Must be capable of absorbing reactive power from the grid after the
fault clearing
Philippines Small So- See Figure 60
lar
UK onshore Continuous V control (details in appendix 7 of grid code)
Figure 57: Requirement for reactive power supply, IQ, during voltage drops for wind power plants with a
power output greater than 1.5 MW (zone B: priority to Q supply, not P supply) – Denmark
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Figure 58: Reactive current droop for offshore wind farms – Germany
Figure 59: Reactive current droop for units not directly connected to the grid (through converters) – Ger-
many
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Figure 60: Current injection after fault – Philippines
Figure 61: Current injection of wind farms during and after fault - Spain
5.3.2.4 Earthing and protections

Table 21: Earthing and protections - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
MANDATORY NON-MANDATORY
COUNTRY EARTHING
PROTECTIONS PROTECTIONS
Belgium Step up trans- Grid operator indi- Discussed and detailed
Wind former neutral point cates the protec- in the connection
must be grounded tions on the con- agreement contract
nection
Canada HV Y- LV D Trans- Same as SG but
Wind former required. If compliant with
MV exists, it must LVRT envelopes.
be grounded. Additional might be
required by the
TSO.
Denmark Nothing mentioned Same type of pro- Nothing mentioned
Wind tections than SG.
Different settings.
Four categories
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MANDATORY NON-MANDATORY
COUNTRY EARTHING
PROTECTIONS PROTECTIONS
Germany HV/MV Trans- Two independent
Wind former in vector systems must be
group YN/d5 implemented
Low resistance Some other de-
neutral point tailed requirements
Non-switchable
neutral point with
direct connection to
earth
5.3.2.5 Islanding, black-start and synchronisation

Table 22: Islanding and synchronisation - comparison of different grid codes (VRE power plants)
COUNTRY ISLANDING BLACK-START SYNCHRONISATION
Belgium Wind No requirement No requirement Forbidden after disturb-
ance. Always with coor-
dination of TSO
Canada Wind Explicitly ex- Forbidden during black-
empted start. Connection al-
lowed when full grid in
operation.
Denmark Wind No requirement No requirement Equipment required
Germany Wind Restart with a max gradi-
ent of 10%Pn/min
Spain special dis- Isolated operation not
patchable and non- allowed
dispatchable
5.4 Synthesis
This grid code benchmarking has analysed the best practices around the world in contexts which can be
compared to the one of KSA. These practices were taken from Belgium, Canada (British Columbia), Den-
mark, Germany, Philippines, and UK.
In the analysed grid codes, the following common features were observed:
· The main part of grid codes is dedicated to Synchronous Generating Units.
· Exceptions, derogations and specific requirements are required for VRE power plants, especially for
units based on power electronic conversion to produce electricity.
· The location-specific requirements are not included in the grid codes but are agreed between network
operator and plant owner in connection contracts.
· The requirements for less common technologies are usually treated in bilateral agreements and based
on the main grid code part dedicated to Synchronous Generation.
· In each of the grid codes, the categories of requirements are the same... Requirements are often clas-
sified in Frequency, voltage, power quality, Q-Range, P/f control, Q/V control, information exchange...
Furthermore, the same requirement is often written following the same technical principle.
However, in these grid codes, the main differences are observed in:
· The type of generating units for which a dedicated grid code is available (conventional, wind, solar,
etc.). This mainly depends on the expected energy mix of the country.
· The thresholds/criteria for categorisation of the generating units (size, voltage level, etc.) highly depends
on the structure of the grid and energy mix.
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· The numerical values used in requirements, such as values of Q-range, Voltage control droops, also
depend on grid structure.
· The approach chosen for modifying the grid code is different from country to country:
· Some chose one grid code for integrating every type of generation
· Other prefer dedicated grid codes for Wind Farms, PV, …
· Finally, other countries proposed amendments to existing grid codes, without modification to the
existing requirements.
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6 ANALYSIS OF THE BRAZILIAN GRID CODE
6.1 Introduction
This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the requirements for VRE connection as defined in the current
version of the grid code of Brazil (“Procedimentos de Rede”) [6]. The version of the grid code analysed in
this study is Rev. 2016.12, from 12 December 2016.
The Brazilian regulation for electrical power systems and services establishes the national grid code through
a set of documents entitled “Procedimentos de Rede”. This set of documents is made available at ONS’
website11.
Any electrical device connected to the Brazilian Interconnected Power System (BIPS) is directly subject to
the coordination of ONS, which plays the role of an Independent System Operator (ISO).
The grid code of Brazil is organized in 26 different modules, as follows:
· Module 1: Introduction
· Module 2: Minimum requirements for transmission facilities and management of performance indicators
Defines the minimum requirements for transmission facilities and establish the system for the manage-
ment of basic network performance indicators and transmission network functions.
· Module 3: Access to transmission facilities
Establishes the instructions and processes for the feasibility of access (including the connection and
the use) to the transmission facilities that are part of the main transmission network.
· Module 4: Expansion and reinforcements
Proposes to the Granting Authority the extensions and reinforcements in the main transmission network
and other transmission facilities.
· Module 5: Consolidation of load forecasting
Allocates responsibilities and establish the procedures and deadlines for the consolidation of the load
forecast, which implies: organizing the temporal chaining of the various load forecasting processes;
make the products and data available for carrying out studies under responsibility of ONS; establish the
load forecasting process and describe it clearly to the stakeholders and seek improvement of forecasts.
· Module 6: Planning and scheduling of the electrical operation
Establishes guidelines, criteria, systematics and processes to be used in planning studies and sched-
uling of the electrical operation. The studies should define actions to solve the problems identified in a
given horizon; define guidelines to be applied to the main operation network to ensure service to the
load; to reconcile the requests of the different stakeholders for interventions in the system; visualize the
impact of the new works on the operation of the system; and subsidize the Granting Authority in decision
making.
· Module 7: Planning of the energetic operation
Assigns responsibilities and establishes procedures for ONS to develop its energy operation planning
duties.
· Module 8: Daily schedule of the electro-energetic operation
Establishes daily load, generation and exchange schedules to ensure the energy optimization of the
generation resources and the operational safety of national interconnected system.
· Module 9: Water resources and meteorology
11
Source: http://ons.org.br/paginas/sobre-o-ons/procedimentos-de-rede/vigentes
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Establishes the responsibilities and processes for obtaining the inputs for the planning and scheduling
of the operation of the national interconnected system, in which regards hydrological information and
data, hydro-energy and meteorological data, technical data and hydraulic restrictions of hydroelectric
power plants, as well as requirements for the operation of control of floods of the reservoirs.
· Module 10: Operation Procedures Manual
Regulates the activities of standardization, pre-operation, real-time operation and post-operation; es-
tablishes the concepts of the ONS’ networks necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of ONS; to concep-
tualize and establish operating rules, operating instructions, operative messages, operational routines,
operational information registers, operational adjustments and international regulations; defines the or-
ganization of the operation as to the functional and operational hierarchy, establishing the levels of
authority, the duties, responsibilities and area of operation involved.
· Module 11: Protection and control
Establishes guidelines for the treatment of the macroprocess of system-level protection and control,
defines the processes and determine the inputs, means of execution, products, users and responsibili-
ties of ONS and generation, transmission, distribution, import and export markets, as well as free and
potentially free consumers.
· Module 12: Billing Measurement
Establishes the responsibilities, systematics and deadlines for the preparation and approval of the de-
sign, assembly and commissioning of the billing measurement systems, for the maintenance and in-
spection of this measurement system, for the reading of the meters and for certification of working
standards of the system.
· Module 13: Telecommunications
Establishes the telecommunication service requirements for the operating network, under the respon-
sibility of the ONS, applicable to the ONS and the stakeholders that own the facilities and equipment
belonging to the operating network. It also deals with the implementation of new telecommunication
services, as well as the maintenance and evaluation of the performance of telecommunication services
in operation.
· Module 14: Administration of ancillary services
Presents the criteria for the administration of ancillary services, that is, to establish the criteria not only
for the commercial arrangements of the ancillary services provided by the stakeholders, but also for the
conclusion of the ancillary service provision contracts and for the verification process related to these
services.
· Module 15: Administration of transmission services and charges
Explains the criteria and processes inherent to the contracting and administration of the transmission
services and the use of the transmission system, by means of the standardization of the practices of
the ONS and the stakeholders involved in compliance with the regulation of the electricity sector.
· Module 16: Maintenance follow-up
Monitors maintenance and provides necessary inputs to an electric power supply service at the levels
and standards of quality and reliability required by consumers and approved by ANEEL.
· Module 17: Not Available at ONS’ Website
· Module 18: Computer systems and models
Defines the computational tools - systems and computational models - used in the grid code.
· Module 19: Identification and treatment of nonconformities
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Establishes the process of identification, treatment and application of penalties by ONS, resulting from
the non-fulfilment of the grid code requirements by the stakeholders; establishes the process for stake-
holders to identify the nonconformities practiced by ONS and the referral to be given by the ONS Board.
· Module 20: Glossary of technical terms
Ensure uniformity of use and appropriate understanding of technical terms used in the grid code.
· Module 21: Studies to strengthen the safety of electrical operation, systemic control and facility integra-
tion
Defines inputs, establishes responsibilities and systematic regarding the evaluation and reinforcement
of electrical operational safety and systemic control.
· Module 22: Analysis of events and disturbances
Assigns responsibilities in the processes of analysis of events and disturbances and establishes the
basic guidelines, methodology and criteria for the analysis of the technical aspects of the events and
disturbances in the operating network and for the technical analysis of the causes of failures observed
in equipment, main network facilities and power plants centrally dispatched by ONS.
· Module 23: Criteria for studies
Establishes guidelines and criteria for studies carried out by ONS in the fulfilment of its legal responsi-
bilities.
· Module 24: Facility integration process
Presents the process for integration of facilities and reservoirs to the operation of the national intercon-
nected system, defines the responsibilities of the parties involved, and formalizes the relations between
ONS and ANEEL, ANA, CCEE and the stakeholders that participate in this process.
· Module 25: Verification of data, reports of the operation of the National Interconnected System and
performance indicators
Allocates responsibilities and systematics for data collection, reporting of the system operation and for
the calculation of performance indicators and indicators of compliance with the recommendations made
by ONS in analysis and studies reports.
· Module 26: Power plant operating modes
Establishes a methodology to classify the operating modes of the power plants, which are: TYPE I -
Centralized scheduling and dispatch; TYPE II - Centralized scheduling and non-centralized dispatch;
and TYPE III - Non-centralized scheduling and dispatching.
In this Product, the emphasis of the analyses is in the Module 3, where the technical requirements for the
connection of new facilities to the transmission network are defined.
6.2 Technical requirements for the connection of new facilities to the

transmission network (Module 3)
The Module 3 of the Brazilian grid code establishes the instructions and processes for the feasibility of ac-
cess (including the connection and the use) to the transmission facilities that are part of the main transmis-
sion network.
This module aims at establishing:
· The instructions and processes related to access to the main transmission system;
· The procedures for requesting access information to ONS;
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· The instructions for the issuance of a Technical Advice, at the request of a distribution company, on the
impacts of the required access to the distribution system on the transmission system12;
· The minimum technical requirements for generating units connected (or requesting connection) to fa-
cilities under the responsibility of a DISCO with a voltage level higher than 69 kV;
· The minimum technical requirements for generating units that are centrally dispatched by ONS con-
nected (or requesting connection) to facilities under the responsibility of a TSO or DISCO;
· Guidelines for the DISCO to elaborate the Access Notice in the case of connection of a power plant
that is centrally dispatched by ONS to the facilities under responsibility of a DISCO.
The Module 3 of the grid code is organized in 6 different sub-modules, as follows:
· Sub-module 3.1: Introduction
· Sub-module 3.2: Access query
· Sub-module 3.3: Access request
· Sub-module 3.4: Information to the access request
· Sub-module 3.5: Inspection and tests in the connection facilities
· Sub-module 3.6: Minimum technical requirements for the connection to transmission facilities
As described above, the technical requirements for the connection of new generating units to the transmis-
sion system are defined in Sub-Module 3.6.
6.3 Technical requirements for the connection of VRE generators to

the transmission system
The technical requirements for the connection of VRE generators to the transmission system are defined in
Sub-Module 3.6 of the Brazilian grid code. This sub-module defines the following minimum set of technical
requirements:
· Protection systems, supervision and control systems, measurements, telecommunications and control
of connection facilities;
· Connection of hydro and thermal power plants;
· Connection of wind and solar PV power plants;
· Connection of load;
· Connection of international interconnection facilities;
· Tap-off connections in the main transmission network;
· Substation busbar arrangements.
The following sub-sections describe the technical requirements for the connection of wind and solar PV
power plants as defined in the Brazilian grid code (Sub-Module 3.6, Chapter 8). The analysis of these re-
quirements is presented in Section 6.4.
6.3.1 General aspects
6.3.2 Voltage and frequency ranges

Table 23 presents the minimum requirements to be respected in order to minimize the risk of disconnection
due to under- or over-voltage events (requirements applicable to the PoC).
12
Assess the impact on the transmission network from the integration of new facilities to the distribution networks.
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Table 23: Voltage ranges (Brazilian grid code)
MINIMUM TIME FOR DIS-

VOLTAGE RANGE
CONNECTION13
> . Instantaneous
. < ≤ . 2.5 seconds
. ≤ ≤ . Continuous operation
. ≤ < . 5 seconds
< . Instantaneous
Table 24 presents the minimum requirements to be respected in order to minimize the risk of disconnection
due to under- or over-frequency events.
Table 24: Frequency ranges (Brazilian grid code)
MINIMUM TIME FOR DIS-

FREQUENCY RANGE
CONNECTION14
> Instantaneous
. < ≤ 20 seconds
. ≤ ≤ . Continuous operation
≤ < . 20 seconds
< Instantaneous
6.3.3 Reactive power capability

In order to provide voltage/reactive power control capabilities, the wind and solar PV power plants must
respect the reactive power capability requirements at the point of connection (PoC) presented in Figure 62
and Figure 63.
Figure 62: Reactive power capability requirement (Brazilian grid code)
13
The values presented in this table refer to the minimum amount of time to withstand the given voltage at the PoC
prior to disconnection.
14
The values presented in this table refer to the minimum amount of time to withstand the given system frequency
value prior to disconnection
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Figure 63: Power factor requirement within the voltage operating range
6.3.4 Voltage/reactive power control

In order to contribute to the reactive power balance and voltage regulation at the point of connection, the
wind and solar PV power plants must be designed so as to operate in the following voltage/reactive power
control modes:
· Voltage control mode (V);
· Power factor control mode (PF);
· Reactive power control mode (Q).
The voltage control mode is the default one. However, change to PF or Q control mode is possible follow-
ing request from ONS.
6.3.4.1 Voltage control mode (V)

The voltage control characteristic is presented in Figure 64. The controlled voltage is the one at the PoC.
This control mode must ensure proper voltage regulation for a voltage range at the PoC between 0.95 pu
and 1.05 pu, while respecting the reactive power capability of the power plant.
The droop characteristic must be adjustable within the range between 2% and 7%, with a minimum resolution
of 0.5%.
Figure 64: Voltage control characteristic (Brazilian grid code)
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6.3.4.2 Reactive power control mode (Q)

The Reactive Power Control (Q) is a function that regulates the reactive power injection at the PoC according
to a pre-defined setpoint regardless of the active power injection and the voltage at the PoC. This control
function is illustrated in Figure 65 as a vertical line.
Figure 65: Reactive power and power factor control functions 15
This control mode must be implemented at the power plant control (PPC) level but activated only when
request by ONS.
6.3.4.3 Power factor control mode (PF)

The Power Factor Control (PF) is a function that regulates the reactive power proportionally to the active
power at the point of connection in order to keep the power factor at the PoC constant (equal to a pre-defined
setpoint). This control function is illustrated in Figure 65 as a line with a constant gradient.
This control mode must be implemented at the power plant control (PPC) level but activated only when
request by ONS.
6.3.4.4 Reactive power injection/absorption when not producing active power

At times the VRE power plant is not generating active power (during night for solar PV and at moments
where wind speed is below the cut-in speed) it must be able to guarantee at least 0 MVA injection at the
PoC. This means that the power plant must be able to at least compensate for the reactive power produc-
tion/absorption of its internal network when not producing active power.
6.3.5 Participation to special protection schemes

The VRE power plant must be able to automatically disconnect from the grid or to reduce its generation
through dedicated control schemes (e.g. step and/or stall control for wind turbines).
6.3.6 Active power output

The active power output of the power plant must recover to at least 85% of the pre-fault value within maxi-
mum 4 seconds after the post-fault voltage recovers to 85% of its nominal value. The active power recovery
rate is defined by the ONS as a result of system stability studies.
Automatic active power output reduction is not allowed when the voltage at the PoC is within the range
between 0.90 and 1.10 pu and the system frequency is between 58.5 Hz and 60.0 Hz.
15
This figure is not presented in the Brazilian grid-code. However, it is included in this document to illustrate the ex-
pected behaviour of the reactive power and power factor control functions as per the Brazilian grid code.
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For system frequency between 57.0 Hz and 58.5 Hz, it is allowed to reduce the power output of the VRE
power plant up to 10%.
These requirements apply for steady-state and quasi steady-state operating conditions.
6.3.7 Synthetic inertia

Wind power plants with an installed capacity greater than 10 MW must be equipped with controllers sensitive
to frequency variations in order to emulate inertia (synthetic inertia) through transient power output modula-
tion. The WPPs must contribute with at least 10% of their nominal power for a minimum period of 5 seconds
when subject to under-frequency, for frequency deviations greater than 0.2 Hz. Withdrawal of this contribu-
tion shall be automatically performed when the frequency returns to its nominal value.
The initial active power injection shall be proportional to the frequency variation, at a minimum rate of 0.8 pu
of the nominal wind turbine power for each Hz of frequency deviation (0.8 pu/Hz).
The full synthetic inertia provision shall be made available whenever the active power of the wind turbine is
equal to or greater than 25% of its nominal power. The maximum holding times for the additional 10% power
shall be reported for power levels less than 25% of the rated output of the wind turbine.
Figure 66: Synthetic inertia requirement (Brazilian grid code)
6.3.8 Over-frequency control

Wind power plants with installed capacity greater than 10 MW must be equipped with controllers for reducing
its active power output when subject to over-frequency events within the range between 60.2 and 62.5 Hz.
This must be implemented by means of a proportional controller with gain equal to 3%/0.1Hz on the basis
of the available power at the moment of the initiation of the over-frequency event (see Figure 7).
Figure 67: Over-frequency control requirement (Brazilian grid code)
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6.3.9 Steady-state voltage deviations

The VRE power plant shall not produce a voltage deviation greater than 5% at the PoC in the event of partial
or total manoeuvre at the power plant (e.g. capacitor bank switching, change in tap position, etc.).
6.3.10 Voltage stability

The VRE power plant must be equipped with control devices that prevent its shutdown due to voltage insta-
bility, as described in Section 6.3.13.
6.3.11 Protection systems

The requirements for protection systems of the generating units of VRE power plants must be defined by
the equipment manufacturers.
6.3.12 Disturbance recording systems

The requirements for disturbance recording systems of the generating units of VRE power plants must be
defined by the equipment manufacturers.
6.3.13 Fault ride-through (FRT)

In order to ensure that the VRE power plants are not triggered or disconnected during and immediately after
the occurrence of a fault in the system due to under- or over-voltages, the Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT)
and the High Voltage Ride-Through (HVRT) characteristics must be respected by the power plant. The
boundaries of these characteristics are presented in Figure 68. This figure indicates that the disconnection
of any generating unit within the VRE power plant is not allowed when the voltage at the terminals of the unit
remains within the grey area depicted in Figure 68.
Figure 68: FRT requirements (Brazilian grid code) 16
This FRT characteristic applies to any type of disturbance, whether caused by load rejection, symmetric or
asymmetric faults, and must be satisfied by the phase voltage that undergoes the most significant variation.
6.3.14 Reactive current injection during faults

When subject to transient voltage variations, in addition to complying with the FRT requirement described in
Section 6.3.13, the wind turbine generators must be able to provide voltage support to the network through
the injection additional reactive current during and just after faults according to the characteristic presented
in Figure 6. This function must be activated in maximum 30 ms after the fault detection. It is responsibility of
the ONS the definition of the droop value (K) and the enabling of this resource.
16
Upper limit: HVRT; lower limit: LVRT
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Figure 69: Requirement for reactive current injection during faults (Brazilian grid code)
Where:
· ∆ = −
· : reactive current
· : pre-fault reactive current
· : nominal current
· ( )=
· : positive sequence voltage at the terminals of the machine

· : nominal voltage at the terminals of the machine
6.3.15 Production pick-up

The VRE power plant must be equipped with the necessary resources to adjust the power pick-up rate of
the plant. The provision of the settings for this control is responsibility of ONS.
6.3.16 Other requirements

There are additional technical requirements for the connection of VRE power plants that are not defined in
Sub-Module 3.6, as presented in the following sub-sections.
6.3.16.1 Signals to be exchanged with ONS

The requirements for signals to be exchanged with ONS are defined in Sub-Module 2.7 of the Brazilian grid
code.
Analog signals must be sent to ONS with a sampling rate up to 4 seconds (this parameter should be imple-
mented in a way it can be changed following an agreement with the ONS). The sampling rate setting is result
of a common agreement between the power plant owner and the ONS. All status signalling must be sent to
ONS in the form of interruptions. The time-stamp of all signals must be in the UTC time format.
6.3.16.2 Short-term production forecast

The Sub-Module 8.1 defines the requirements for information to be sent from the VRE power plant to ONS
in order to support the short-term electro-energetic operational planning.
The following information must be sent to ONS once a day (before 9:00 am), according to the schedule
presented in Table 25.
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· Short-term maintenance schedule;

· Short-term operating constraints;
· 24-hours production forecast, with 30 minutes discretization.
Table 25: Short-term production forecast schedule (Brazilian grid code)
SCHEDULING DAY TO BE DAY TO BE ANTICIPATED

PREPARATION SCHEDULED
DAY
Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Thursday Friday Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Saturday, Sunday
Friday Tuesday
and Monday
6.3.16.3 Simulation models

According to the grid-code (Sub-Module 21.4), it is responsibility of the power plant owner provide to ONS
the data and information necessary to carry out the data and model validation process for electrical studies.
In addition to that, the owner must update the computational models used for electrical studies according to
the adjustments made during power plant commissioning.
Simulation results using the updated computational models and the records obtained from the commission-
ing tests, considering the adjustments made in the field during the commissioning, must be presented to the
ONS in order to prove the adequate behaviour of the models.
The following models and applicable software tools are required (Sub-Modules 21.4 and 18.2):
· Steady-state analysis (load flow and short-circuit): ANAREDE (CEPEL)
· Electromechanical stability analysis (dynamic model): ANATEM (CEPEL)
· Small-signal stability analysis (same model as for ANATEM): PACDYN (CEPEL)
· Electromagnetic transients (EMT) analysis: ATP
6.4 Critical review of the Brazilian grid code

This section presents the results of the critical review of the Brazilian grid code for connection of VRE power
plants performed by the Consultant. This review is based on a careful analysis of the current version of the
Brazilian grid code and the assessment of this document with respect to the international practice to date. It
must be emphasized that the conclusions and recommendations provided in this report take into account
the specificities of the Brazilian power system.
The following topics were identified as points where an enhancement or fine tuning of the existing grid code
is needed:
· Requirements for WPP only in the current version of the grid code:
· Fast reactive current injection
· Over-frequency control
· Synthetic inertia
· Reactive power compensation during hours with 0 MW power production
· FRT characteristics
· Performance of power plant control functions (V, Q, P, PF, etc.)
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· Commissioning & compliance tests

· Model development and validation
· Contribution to protection duties
· Requirements for energy storage devices (focus on BESS)
A detailed analysis of each of the aforementioned topics is presented in the following sections, together with
the recommendations provided by the Consultant for the enhancement of the grid code requirements.
6.4.1 Requirements for WPP only in the current version of the grid code
Analysis:
In the current version of the grid code, there are a few technical requirements that are specified only for wind
power plants, as follows:
· Fast reactive current injection;
· Over-frequency control;
· Synthetic inertia.
The first two requirements are in practice already being required from solar PV power plants. This seems to
be a text imprecision in the grid code that could be easily fixed.
In which regards the requirement for the provision of synthetic inertia, it is imposed exclusively to wind power
plants. It is important to highlight that if this requirement is imposed to solar PV power plants as well, it will
require the PV power plants to operate de-rated with respect to the maximum available power or to be
equipped with a local energy storage device.
Recommendations:
The following recommendations are made by the Consultant with respect to the identified issues:
· Sub-module 3.6, chapter 8.2.1, paragraph 9:
“Os aerogeradores As unidades geradoras de centrais geradoras eólicas ou fotovoltaicas com potência
instalada superior a 10 MW deverão dispor de controladores sensíveis às variações de frequência, que
promovam a redução da potência de saída quando em regime de sobrefrequência na faixa de frequên-
cias de 60,2 Hz a 62,5 Hz.
Este controle deverá ser do tipo proporcional com ganho de 3% / 0,1Hz na base da potência disponível
no aerogerador na unidade geradora no momento.”
· Sub-module 3.6, chapter 8.2.1, paragraph 8:
The technical requirements for the provision of synthetic inertia should remain being imposed to wind
power plants only.
· Sub-module 3.6, chapter 8.8:
“Quando de variações transitórias de tensão, além de cumprir os requisitos de manter-se conectadas
pelo período descrito no item 8.7.1 deste submódulo, os aerogeradores as unidades geradoras
deverão ser capazes de dar suporte de tensão à rede elétrica através da injeção de corrente reativa
adicional, para tensões de sequência positiva inferiores a 85%, e de absorção de corrente reativa adi-
cional de sequência positiva para tensões acima de 110%, conforme a Figura 6...”
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Figure 70: Recommendations for improvement of the requirement for reactive current injection during
faults
6.4.2 Reactive power compensation during hours with 0 MW power production
Analysis:
As mentioned before, the current version of the grid code requires that the VRE power plants be able to
guarantee 0 Mvar injection at the PoC when not producing active power. However, for certain regions of the
system and for given operating conditions, there could be an interest to use VRE power plants to provide
voltage/reactive power support when not producing.
In today’s situation, the current requirement is enough for the needs of the system. Moreover, as there is no
ancillary services market in place in Brazil, it is not straightforward to give incentives to VRE power plants to
provide voltage/reactive power support in periods of null production.
However, considering the foreseen growth of VRE in the Brazilian energy mix, it might be that in the future
such support to system duties becomes necessary from VRE power plants.
Recommendations:
· Maintain the requirement as it is in the current grid code;
· When dealing with higher VRE shares in the future, it is recommended to perform a dedicated analysis
in order to identify if the need for reactive compensation is a structural or a local issue:
· Structural issue: recommend grid reinforcement (e.g. synchronous condensers, SVCs, reactor/ca-
pacitor banks, etc.);
· Specific issue: provide specific requirements for the power plant to be connected at that specific
location (included in the PPA), or promote the development of a competitive ancillary services
market.
6.4.3 FRT characteristic
Analysis:
In the current version of the Brazilian grid code, the FRT requirements are defined at the terminals of the
generating unit (e.g. terminals of the wind turbine or the inverters). In addition to that, a single FRT charac-
teristic is defined for the entire system, independent of the location and/or voltage level.
The justification to set the FRT requirements to the terminal of the generating units is to facilitate the grid
code compliance assessment process, which is currently performed via an equipment certification mecha-
nism. However, the implementation of FRT requirements to the terminal of the generating units leads to
several challenges when trying to predict the behaviour of the power plant.
The main reasons for defining a single FRT characteristic for the entire system are:
· Non-discriminatory nature of the grid code (to not favour specific locations of the system);
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· The transient behaviour of the voltage in the different subsystems in todays grid configuration is very
similar, allowing to set a single FRT characteristic for the entire system.
Considering the expected growth of VRE power plants in the Brazilian energy mix, it is expected that the
dynamic behaviour of the system changes drastically and the aforementioned characteristics might not re-
main valid anymore.
Recommendations:
· Specify the FRT requirements at the VRE power plant PoC;
· Assess the transient behaviour of the system voltages in every medium-term transmission planning
study in order to anticipate future needs of the system. In case the behaviour of the different regions of
the system becomes significantly different, it might be needed to specify a dedicated FRT characteristic
for each region of the grid.
6.4.4 Performance of power plant control functions (V, Q, P, PF, etc.)
Analysis:
The requirements for performance of VRE power plant control functions must be clearly defined in the grid
code. These requirements have a significant impact to the design of the power plant and to the selection of
the equipment that compose this plant.
The current version of the Brazilian grid code provides clear requirements for the types of control functions
that need to be implemented. However, it does not explicitly define the performance requirements for the
different control functions, such as:
· Maximum setpoint update delay;
· Response time to a new setpoint;
· Setpoint accuracy;
· Accuracy of the control action;
· Open and closed loop response times;
· Maximum setpoint tracking error;
· etc.
As these requirements have an impact on the design and equipment choice (CAPEX and OPEX impacts),
they must be clearly known in the very early stages of the project development in order to not jeopardize the
feasibility of a project.
An example of such requirements is given in the VRE grid code of South Africa [7], described as follows:
· Q control mode:
· The generator shall update its set point value in response to the new value within 2 sec;
· The PP shall respond to the new set point within 30 seconds after receipt of an order to change
the setpoint;
· The accuracy of the control performed and of the setpoint shall not deviate by more than ±2% of
the setpoint value or by ±0.5% of maximum reactive power, depending on which yields the highest
tolerance;
· The PP shall be able to receive a Q setpoint with an accuracy of at least 1kVar.
· PF control mode:
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the setpoint;
· The accuracy of the control performed and of the setpoint shall not deviate by more than ±0.02.
· V control mode:
· Voltage control is a control function controlling the voltage at the PoC;
the setpoint;
· The accuracy of the voltage setpoint shall be within ±0.5% of nominal voltage, and the accuracy
of the control performed shall not deviate by more than ±2% of the required injection or absorption
of reactive power according to droop characteristics.
Recommendations:
· Define a minimum set of performance indicators and the associated numerical values
· Maximum setpoint update delay;
· Response time to a new setpoint;
· Setpoint accuracy;
· Accuracy of the control action;
· Maximum setpoint tracking error;
· Open and closed loop response time.
The numerical values for the requirements depend on the intrinsic behaviour of the system and on the ca-
pabilities of the VRE generation technologies. Therefore, these values should be set based on technical
studies of the dynamic behaviour of the system, as well as taking into account the existing and forecasted
capabilities of the VRE generation technologies.
6.4.5 Commissioning & compliance tests
Analysis:
The current version of the Brazilian grid code does not provide specifications for commissioning and com-
pliance tests for VRE power plants. However, these requirements are defined in dedicated documents made
available to power plant developers during the execution of the projects.
The following topics are covered by these documents:
· Testing conditions are specified for the following aspects:
· Active power control;
· Frequency control;
· Reactive power control at the PoC;
· Voltage control at the PoC;
· Power factor control at the PoC;
· Transformer energizing;
· Power quality.
· Variables to be measured and/or monitored.
A very good example of requirements and test procedures for VRE power plants is given in the grid code of
Ireland [8].
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Recommendations:
· Make the requirements for commissioning and compliance tests available to the project developers in
a very early stage of the project or (preferably) publicly available as an annex of the grid code;
· Details of the following aspects, for each test to be performed, should be specified:
· Purpose of the test;
· Pass criteria (in line with the minimum requirements defined in the grid code);
· Instrumentation and data recording;
· Initial conditions for the test;
· Step-by-step test procedures;
· Test reporting procedures.
6.4.6 Model development and validation
Analysis:
The Brazilian grid code specifies the following responsibilities for the power plant owner in which regards
the provision of simulation models of the VRE power plant (Sub-Module 21.4):
· Provide to ONS the data and information necessary to carry out the data and model validation process
for electrical studies;
· Provide the necessary data and participate in model validation activities;
· Update the computational models used for electrical studies according to the adjustments made during
project commissioning;
· Present simulation results using the updated computational models and the records obtained from the
commissioning tests, considering the adjustments made in the field during the commissioning, in order
to attest the performance of the models.
Despite the provision in the grid code, details on the requirements for these models are not defined. The
following relevant topics are not clearly defined in the grid code:
· Model extent: a trade-off between model complexity and model quality has to be achieved
· Application for power plant design purposes: detailed power plant model and simplified grid model;
· Application for system-level analyses: detailed grid model and simplified power plant model.
· Responsibility for model reduction/simplification:
· Should be in the hands of the system operator given that it requires deep understanding of the
modelled process and the application of the models.
· Simulations to be carried out in the model validation process in line with the commissioning and com-
pliance tests:
· Same initial conditions
· Same pass criteria
Moreover, as indicated in Figure 71, the technical requirements specified in the grid code are defined at
different locations at the VRE power plant (PoC, collector busbar, terminal of generating units), posing sev-
eral technical challenges for the development and validation of simplified/reduced models of VRE power
plants.
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Figure 71: Definition of technical requirements at different locations (Brazilian grid code)
Recommendations:
· Power plant owners/project developers should be in charge of providing a full model (including internal
MV network and detailed model of the generating units) of the power plant to the system operator;
· The performance of the model should be assessed via simulations aiming at reproducing the commis-
sioning and compliance tests in a simulated environment;
· The model validation should be subject to expert judgement by the system operator;
· The model reduction/simplification should be a responsibility of the system operator.
Figure 72 presents a simplified model management process recommended by the Consultant.
•Measurements
(commissioning •Development of
PP •Measurements
tests) a reduced-order
•Models PP System
Owner / •Detailed model (equivalent)
(equipment Owner (used for Operator model
OEM level)
compliance
studies)
Figure 72: Recommended model management process
6.4.7 Injection of asymmetrical currents during faults
Analysis:
Asymmetrical faults are the most common types of faults occurring in transmission networks. However, the
majority of the VRE grid codes do not specify technical requirements for the behaviour of the power plants
under asymmetrical faults.
With increasing VRE shares in the system the importance of VRE power plant behaviour during asymmet-
rical faults is increasing. For example, the European framework for the grid codes specifies the following [9]:
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“With regard to the supply of fast fault current in case of asymmetrical (1-phase or 2-phase) faults, the
relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO shall have the right to specify a requirement
for asymmetrical current injection.”
The Brazilian grid code does not specify the technical requirements for negative sequence current injection
for VRE power plants during asymmetrical faults.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that in in every medium-term transmission planning study the behaviour of the system
with respect to asymmetrical faults be analysed in details. Specific requirements in the grid code should be
defined as soon as it is detected problems in terms of dynamic performance of the system or malfunctioning
of protection systems under unbalanced faults (e.g. the case of the German grid code).
6.4.8 Requirements for energy storage devices (focus on BESS)
Analysis:
The majority of the grid codes around the world do not currently define Energy Storage or specify technical
requirements for Storage technologies (Pump Storage Plants aside). However, with the expected growth in
the application o BESS in power systems, there are several ongoing discussions around this topic in different
countries. An example of these discussions is the ongoing one at National Grid UK, who’s receiving an
increasing number of connection applications from energy storage project developers.
As technical requirements for energy storage applications have not yet reached a sufficient maturity level,
National Grid UK is temporarily applying technical requirements derived from either generation or HVDC
requirements. However, these requirements do not necessarily reflect the nature of the technology, and is
inefficient for all concerned.
Table 26 presents the treatment of energy storage applications by National Grid UK during the period when
tailor-made requirements are not yet available.
Table 26: Technical requirements for energy storage applications in UK (transitory phase) [10]
NO CONFIGURATION / TYPE GRID CODE TREATMENT
As per current Grid Code requirements appli-

1 Pumped Storage Power Station
cable to Pumped Storage Power Stations
Battery would need be considered as an VSC

Battery installed within a Large Power
HVDC Unit with requirements applying at the
2 Station comprising Synchronous
point where it connects within the power sta-
Generating Units
tion
Battery installed within a Large Power

3 Station comprising Power Park Mod- As per 2) above.
ules
Battery connected directly to the Battery would be treated in the same way as a
4
Transmission or Distribution System Voltage Source HVDC Converter
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NO CONFIGURATION / TYPE GRID CODE TREATMENT
Compressed air Energy Storage us-

5 As per 1) above
ing Synchronous Generating Units
As per 1) above – assuming they are con-

6 Flywheels
nected to a synchronous Generators
Superconductive Magnetic Energy As per 4) above, but questions remain on

7
Storage Systems short energy duration
8 Hydrogen storage Multiple applications - Not applicable
As per 4) above but questions remain on short

9 Supercapacitors
energy duration.
Recommendations:
Considering that the technical requirements for energy storage applications have not yet reached sufficient
maturity level, it is recommended to not define such requirements in the Brazilian grid code in the short-term.
However, it is recommended that ONS follows the international discussions in this subject in order to capi-
talize on the international experience when defining the technical requirements for energy storage to the
Brazilian case.
6.4.9 Synthesis of the analysis

The analysis performed by the Consultant in this project shows that the current version of the Brazilian grid
code for the connection of VRE generation covers all key aspects and is in line with international grid codes
practice.
Table 27 presents a synthesis of the benchmark of the Brazilian grid code with respect to the international
practice. For the majority of the topics, the grid code is in line with the international practice. For a few of
them, there is room for improvement, as described in the previous sections.
Table 27: Benchmark of the Brazilian grid code with respect to the international practice (synthesis of anal-
yses)
VRE PENETRATION BRAZILIAN

LEVEL GRID CODE
• Protection J
• Power quality J
Always needed
• Power reduction during over-frequency J
• Commissioning and compliance tests K
• Communication J
Low VRE share • Adjustable reactive power J
• Constraining active power (active power management) J
• LVRT including current contribution J

Higher VRE share
• Simulation models K
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VRE PENETRATION BRAZILIAN

LEVEL GRID CODE
• Voltage control J
• Active power gradient limitation K
Very high VRE share
• Reduced output duration mode for reserve provision L
• Synthetic inertia J
• Stand-alone frequency control N/A

Exclusive use of • Full integration into general frequency control scheme N/A
VRE17 • Stand-alone voltage control N/A
• Full integration into general voltage control scheme N/A
It must be highlighted that the grid code should be permanently reviewed in order to enable the deployment
of VRE without jeopardizing the quality and security of the system operation. Careful should be taken in the
grid code update process in order to avoid regulatory instabilities
17
Requirements for cases of exclusive use of VRE are not applicable (N/A) to the Brazilian system reality.
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7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This report focuses on the role played by grid codes on the integration of VRE power plants to power sys-
tems. Because of this key role on VRE integration, the Brazilian grid code was reviewed in details in order
to assess its level of maturity having in mind the main objective of this project: analyse the integration of
large shares of VRE to the Brazilian energy mix.
The Chapter 2 of this report presents a general overview of grid codes and its role for VRE integration. It
shows how important grid codes are for enabling the integration of large amounts of VRE to a power system
without jeopardizing the quality and security of the service.
Chapter 3 presents an overview of the international practice in grid code development and implementation.
It stresses the importance of the process when defining technical requirements for the connection of VRE
power plants to the grid in order to not create an unstable regulatory framework or to discourage the devel-
opment of new technologies and solutions.
Chapter 4 describes in general words the common technical requirements for VRE integration as per the
international practice. It also presents the general trends for more sophisticated requirements resulting from
higher shares of VRE integration (e.g. synthetic inertia, contribution to unbalanced faults).
Chapter 5 presents a benchmark of the international practice in grid codes for VRE connection to transmis-
sion networks. This analysis was done based on the grid codes from Belgium, Canada (British Columbia),
Denmark, Germany, Philippines, and UK. In the analysed grid codes, the following common features were
observed:
· The main part of grid codes is dedicated to Synchronous Generating Units.
· Exceptions, derogations and specific requirements are required for VRE power plants, especially for
units based on power electronic conversion to produce electricity.
· The location-specific requirements are not included in the grid codes but are agreed between network
operator and plant owner in connection contracts.
· The requirements for less common technologies are usually treated in bilateral agreements and based
on the main grid code part dedicated to Synchronous Generation.
· In each of the grid codes, the categories of requirements are the same... Requirements are often clas-
sified in Frequency, voltage, power quality, Q-Range, P/f control, Q/V control, information ex-change...
Furthermore, the same requirement is often written following the same technical principle.
Chapter 6 is dedicated to a thorough review of the Brazilian grid code for VRE connection. This analysis
shows that the current version of the Brazilian grid code for the connection of VRE generation covers all key
aspects and is in line with international grid codes practice. Table 27 presents a synthesis of the benchmark
of the Brazilian grid code with respect to the international practice. For the majority of the topics, the grid
code is in line with the international practice. For a few of them, there is room for improvement, such as:
· Requirements for WPP only in the current version of the grid code:
· Fast reactive current injection
· Over-frequency control
· Synthetic inertia
· Reactive power compensation during hours with 0 MW power production
· FRT characteristics
· Performance of power plant control functions (V, Q, P, PF, etc.)
· Commissioning & compliance tests
· Model development and validation
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· Contribution to protection duties

· Requirements for energy storage devices (focus on BESS)
It must be highlighted that the grid code should be permanently reviewed in order to enable the deployment
of VRE without jeopardizing the quality and security of the system operation. Careful should be taken in the
grid code update process in order to avoid regulatory instabilities
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References
[1] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), “Scaling up Variable Renewable Power: The Role
of Grid Codes,” IRENA, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2016.
[2] J. Fortmann, F. Schaube, A. Mendon-ca, A. Morales, Ö. Göksu and P. E. Sørensen, “Latest
Developments of Negative Sequence Extensions for Generic RMS Models ofvWind Turbines,” in
Proceedings of the 15th Wind Integration Workshop, 2016.
[3] P. M. Anderson, Analysis of Faulted Power Systems, Wiley-IEEE Press, 1995.
[4] VDE Verlag, “Technical requirements for the connection and operation of customer installations to
the high-voltage network (VDE-AR-N 4120),” VDE, 2015.
[5] VDE Verlag, “Technische Regeln für den Anschluss von Kundenanlagen an das Mittelspan-
nungsnetz und deren Betrieb (VDE-AR-N 4110),” VDE, 2015.
[6] Operador Nacional do Sistema (ONS), “Procedimentos de Rede - Vigentes,” ONS, [Online].
Available: http://ons.org.br/paginas/sobre-o-ons/procedimentos-de-rede/vigentes. [Accessed 10 June
2019].
[7] National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), “Grid Connection Code for Renewable Power
Plants (RPPs) connected to the electricity Transmission System (TS) or the Distribution System (DS)
in South Africa,” NERSA, Germiston, South Africa, 2014.
[8] EIRGRID, “WFPS Reactive Power Control Test Procedure,” EIRGRID.
[9] “Network Code on Requirements for Generators,” ENTSO-E, [Online]. Available:
https://www.entsoe.eu/network_codes/rfg/. [Accessed 10 June 2019].
[10] National Grid UK, “GC0096: Energy Storage,” National Grid UK, May 2016. [Online]. Available:
https://www.nationalgrideso.com/codes/grid-code/modifications/gc0096-energy-storage. [Accessed
10 June 2019].
[11] Moniteur belge, “Arrêté royal établissant un règlement technique pour la gestion du réseau de
transport de l’électricité et l’accès à celui-ci,” 2002.
[12] ELIA, “Islanding of wind power plant, grid connection requirements and guidelines,” ELIA, 2011.
[13] ELIA, “QV-control requirements for large wind power plants,” ELIA, 2011.
[14] ELIA, “Prescriptions spécifiques pour le raccordement de grands parcs d’éoliennes,” ELIA, 2011.
[15] BC Hydro, “60 to 500 kV technical interconnection requirements for power generators (Rev. 1.3),” BC
Hydro, Canada, 2012.
[16] Energinet.dk, “Technical Regulation for Thermal Power Station Units of 1.5 MW and higher (ver.
5.1),” Energinet.dk, Denmark, 2008.
[17] Energinet.dk, “Technical regulation 3.2.5 for wind power plants with a power output greater than 11
kW (rev. 4.1),” Energinet.dk, Denmark, 2010.
[18] Tennet TSO Gmbh, “Grid code – high and extra high voltage,” Tennet TSO Gmbh, Germany, 2012.
[19] Tennet TSO Gmbh, “Requirements for Offshore Grid Connections in the Grid of TenneT TSO
GmbH,” Tennet TSO Gmbh, Germany, 2012.
[20] N/A, “Resolución de 30 de Julio de 1998 (BOE 18/08/1998),” N/A, Spain, 1998.
[21] N/A, “Resolución de 18 de Mayo de 2009 (BOE 28/05/2009),” N/A, Spain, 2009.
[22] N/A, “Resolución de 10 de marzo de 2000 (BOE 18/03/2000),” N/A, Spain, 2000.
[23] N/A, “Especificaciones funcionales para los centros de control de generación interlocutores del
CECRE,” N/A, Spain, 2007.
[24] Red Electrica de Espana, “Criterios generales de protección del system eléctrico peninsular
español,” Red Electrica de Espana, Spain, 2012.
[25] Red Electrica de Espana, “Criterios generales de protección del system eléctrico peninsular
español,” Red Electrica de Espana, Spain, 2012.
[26] ERC, “Philippine grid code,” ERC, Philippines, 2001.
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[27] ERC, “A resolution adopting and approving addendum to amendment no 1 of the Philippine Grid
Code (PGC), establishing the connection and operational requirements for variable renewable
energy (VRE) generating facilities,” ERC, Philippines, 2013.
[28] National Grid Electricity Transmission, “The grid code,” National Grid Electricity Transmission, United
Kingdom, 2013.
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ENERGY SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE:

GIZ BR ESOF Product 1

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ENERGY SYSTEMS

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Energy Systems of the Future: Integrating Variable Renewable Energy Sources

Document Title: Product 1 – Technical Regulation Studies

Prepared by: Lahmeyer International GmbH

Authors: Karim Karoui, Leonardo Rese (Tractebel)

Date: May 2019

Coordination: Florian Geyer (GIZ)

Este estudo foi elaborado no âmbito da Cooperação Alemã para o Desenvolvimento

Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00

1. Todas as indicações, dados e resultados deste estudo foram compilados e

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List of Participants / Lista de Participantes

Steering Committee / Comitê Gestor

Technical Committee / Comitê Técnico – EPE

Technical Committee / Comitê Técnico – ONS

Technical Committee / Comitê Técnico – Consultant / Consultor

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Enjoy the reading.

Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00

O estudo sobre a Integração de Fontes Renováveis Variáveis na Matriz Elétrica

Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), thanks the

Many thanks to all.

Special thanks to the friend and colleague Juarez Castrillon Lopes

Thank you very much from the entire team.

Processing No.: 15.2126.9-001.00

A Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ, agradece aos

Um muito obrigado a todos.

Agradecimento especial ao amigo e colega Juarez Castrillon Lopes

Na conclusão deste estudo, a equipe não poderia deixar de registrar

Muito obrigado de toda a equipe.

Gesellschaft für Internationale

Client Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Project title Energy systems of the future:

Consultant: Lahmeyer International GmbH

PSR Soluções e Consultoria em Energia Ltda

Date May 2019

Revision Date Status Author Verified Approved

2 GRID CODES: A GENERAL OVERVIEW 12

2.3 Impact of VRE integration 12

2.4 Definition, purpose and function 13

2.5 Grid codes vs. energy policies 15

2.6 The Role of Grid Codes for VRE Integration 15

3 VRE CONNECTION CODE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION 18

3.1 The role of international standards 19

3.2 Development process 20

4 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VRE INTEGRATION 22

4.1 General description of the technical requirements 22

4.2 Advanced requirements 26

4.3 Studies to be carried out to determine the parameters of the requirements 27

5 INTERNATIONAL GRID CODE BENCHMARK 29

5.2 Classification of generation resources 31

5.3 Connection and operation requirements 33

6 ANALYSIS OF THE BRAZILIAN GRID CODE 69

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6.4 Critical review of the Brazilian grid code 79

7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 89

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Figure 1: General composition of a grid code (adapted from [1]) 14

Figure 3: Typical grid code development process (adapted from [1]) 16

Figure 5: Typical grid code development process [1] 20