Grid Connection for Solar PV - PDF Free Download

Grid Connection for Solar PV Ivan Codd Renewable Planning Manager, Asset Management, ESB Networks Energy Cork Ireland s Solar Energy Future 29 th January 2016

AGENDA Generator Connection Processes The non-gpa process and Solar Applications Capacity Availability Connection Requirements Review Of Connection And Grid Access Policy 2 esbnetworks.ie

ESB NETWORKS The licensed Distribution System Operator and Transmission and Distribution Asset Owner in Ireland Plan, maintain and operate the following networks: 110kV network in Greater Dublin 38kV sub-transmission nationally Medium Voltage(10/20kV) nationally Low Voltage(400/230V) nationally Responsible for issuance of connection offers to the above networks for Load and Generator connections 3 esbnetworks.ie

GENERATOR CONNECTION PROCESSES There are four broad categories of generation application to ESB Networks Zero MEC connections Micro-Generation Group Processing Approach(GPA) Non GPA 4 esbnetworks.ie

GENERATOR CONNECTION PROCESSES Zero MEC connections Amendment to Connection Agreement, protection upgrade Micro-Generation Group Processing Approach(GPA) Non GPA 5 esbnetworks.ie

GENERATOR CONNECTION PROCESSES Zero MEC connections Amendment to Connection Agreement, protection upgrade Micro-Generation Inform& Fit approach- LV; <6kW single phase, <11kW three phase Group Processing Approach(GPA) Non GPA 6 esbnetworks.ie

THE NON-GPA PROCESS Formalised in 2009 CER Direction CER/09/099 Certain categories of generator application are currently pre-approved for processing outside the GPA: Small wind(<0.5mw) Hydro tidal wave Landfill gas Anaerobic digester biogas biomass Solar 8 esbnetworks.ie

NON-GPA APPLICATIONS 2009-2015 14 Footer esbnetworks.ie

NON-GPA APPLICATIONS 2009-2015 c1,700mw 15 Footer esbnetworks.ie

NON-GPA APPLICATIONS 2015 16 esbnetworks.ie

SOLAR APPLICATIONS c.340 Solar Applications received by ESB Networks (to end Dec 15) c. 90% are 3-5MW 17 esbnetworks.ie

SOLAR APPLICATIONS - LOCATIONS 61 Co. Cork 18 Footer esbnetworks.ie

SOLAR APPLICATIONS - LOCATIONS 49 Co. Wexford 61 Co. Cork 19 Footer esbnetworks.ie

SOLAR APPLICATIONS - LOCATIONS 20 Co. Tipperary 49 Co. Wexford 61 Co. Cork 20 Footer esbnetworks.ie

NON-GPA CONNECTION OFFER PROCESS The current Non-GPA process is not designed to handle such large volumes or patterns of applications. Applications are being processed individually and sequentially, on a 110kV nodal basis. Applications received are assigned a node, and enter a processing sequence at that node First application in sequence is studied, and connection offer issued Following acceptance / lapsing of that offer, the next in sequence is studied This leads to long lead times between offer issuances, complexities in studies and suboptimal network development and costly connections. 21 esbnetworks.ie

CAPACITY AVAILABILITY Capacity to connect generation is finite. 22 esbnetworks.ie

RENEWABLE GENERATION CONNECTIONS Capacity to connect generation is finite. 160MW 1,380MW Connected: 1,540MW 23 esbnetworks.ie

RENEWABLE GENERATION CONTRACTED Capacity to connect generation is finite. 160MW 202MW 1,380MW 1,835MW Connected: Contracted: 1,540MW 2,037MW 24 esbnetworks.ie

CAPACITY AVAILABILITY Capacity to connect generation is finite. This is the case even for lower MEC generators. Technical study as part of application process will determine availability of capacity. Reinforcements could include: -Existing circuit uprate -New network, or other network reinforcements - Station transformer(s) uprates The associated charges are borne in full by the connecting generator Rebates do apply if the asset is subsequently used by another generator 25 esbnetworks.ie

CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS A typical connection (for a 4MW project) will be at Medium Voltage: 10/20kV: Generator site: An MV substation containing.. MV circuit breaker and protection relays MV metering and power quality recorder Contestable (with exception of metering and power quality recorder) Connecting network: MV overhead line or underground cable to an ESB Networks substation - Contestable ESB Networks substation / network: MV cubicle at substation Any substation and / or upstream network reinforcements - Non contestable 26 esbnetworks.ie

CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS MV Substation Building 4 x 4.5 x 3m Flat Roof MV substation Hipped Roof MV substation 27 esbnetworks.ie

REVIEW OF CONNECTION AND GRID ACCESS POLICY Review of Connection and Grid Access Policy Initial Thinking and Proposed Transitional Arrangements CER led consultation Issued 11 th December 2015 Closes for submissions 5 th February 2016 Seeks to address the issues that have arisen in the connection offer processes and inform future policy 28 esbnetworks.ie

INFORMATION ON EXISTING CONNECTIONS AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS Connected and Contracted generation: Transmission: www.eirgrid.com Distribution: www.esb.ie/esbnetworks Completed Applications in process: www.eirgrid.com Covering both System Operators -Facility name, contact details, location (county & coordinates) 29 esbnetworks.ie

RELEVANT INFORMATION Applications forms, fees and connection charges: Available on www.esb.ie/esbnetworks Connection requirements: Conditions Governing Connection to the Distribution System Policy in development: Required Safety Clearances from Overhead Power Lines for proposed Solar Panel Farms 30 esbnetworks.ie

THANK YOU For general renewable generation related enquiries: ESB Networks website: www.esb.ie/esbnetworks email: DSOgenerators@esb.ie 31 esbnetworks.ie