In the context of the ongoing revisions of the European grid connection network codes, ACER will consult with stakeholders (during summer 2024) to collect views on ACER’s concrete amendment proposals to the network code on grid connection requirements for high voltage direct current systems and related power park modules (NC HVDC).

What are the electricity grid connection network codes?

Network codes are binding rules governing connection requirements to the electricity networks in an effective and transparent manner. The codes are key for ensuring the safety of system operation and the efficiency of the EU's power grid. ​

There are three electricity grid connection network codes:

• The network code on requirements for grid connection of generators (RfG Regulation) establishes common standards for generators to connect to the grid.
• The network code on demand connection (DCC Regulation) sets up harmonised requirements for demand facilities to connect to the grid.
• The network code on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems (HVDC Regulation) covers the definition of harmonised standards for direct current (DC) connections.​​​​

Why change the rules?

The electricity grid connection codes were established in 2009, with the HVDC Regulation entering into force in 2016. Important developments to decarbonise the European energy and transport sectors happened since then:

• September 2022: ACER initiated the amendment process of the existing European grid connection network codes, as requested by the European Commission.
• December 2023: after consulting with stakeholders, ACER submitted to the European Commission its Recommendation 03-2023 proposing amendments to two grid connection network codes (on requirements for grid connection of generators and on demand connection).
• December 2023: the final report of the Grid Connection European Stakeholder Committee’s Expert Group on Connection Requirements for Offshore Systems was released (proposing amendments to the NC HVDC).
• End of 2024: ACER will submit to the European Commission its recommendation on proposed amendments to the third grid connection network code (the NC HVDC).

The revisions to the NC HVDC aim to:

• Enhance the existing grid connection regulatory framework.
• Align the code with the network codes on requirements for grid connection of generators and on demand connection.
• Ensure the interconnected system is adapted to emerging trends, such as the increasing generation capacity of offshore networks (AC hubs) and the connection of new system users (storage, demand facilities).

Have your say!

To inform its drafting of the amendment proposal to the NC HVDC, ACER will:

• run a public consultation from 17 June until 8 September 2024;
• hold a webinar on 24 June 2024 (09:30 – 11:00 CET).

On 13 May 2024, with its Decision No 07/2024, ACER amended the methodology for Coordinating Operational Security Analysis (CSAM).

The amendment proposal was submitted to ACER in November 2023 by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), on behalf of Transmission System Operators (TSOs).

What is the role of the methodology?

CSAM supports the EU’s operational security by outlining the TSOs' requirements to ensure:

• the electricity transmission system is operated in a coordinated manner;
• an effective system operational planning;
• transparency and reliability of information on transmission system operation.

The methodology was first approved by ACER in 2019 under the Guideline on Electricity Transmission System Operation (SOGL) and amended in 2021.

What are the main improvements in the methodology?

The amendments relate to the implementation of the observability area (i.e., where TSOs implement real-time monitoring and modelling of their systems to maintain operational security), following the recommendations of the Incident Classification Expert Panel’s final report on Continental Europe Synchronous Area Separation on 8 January 2021.

The main changes include:

• Aligning the observability area reassessment period with that of the external contingency list (i.e., the list of contingencies to be simulated to test the compliance with the operational security limits). This alignment is important to ensure that the operational security analysis is carried out accurately across all timeframes.
• The inclusion of busbar couplers in the contingency lists and in the TSOs’ Individual Grid Models (IGMs), along with a defined timeline for implementation by the TSOs. This update ensures that the power flows are kept within the operational security limits after a contingency has occurred.

What are the next steps?

Within a year after the adoption of the new CSAM (by 13 May 2025), TSOs are required to update their ordinary contingency lists. These updates must specifically include the loss of a single busbar coupler, whether protected by an overcurrent protection device or by an over-/under-voltage protection device.

REMIT (Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency) provides an EU framework for the transparency and integrity of energy markets and aims to deter market participants from manipulating the market. It plays an important role in protecting the interests of companies and consumers and ensuring trust in energy markets.

To ensure the REMIT Regulation keeps pace with evolving market dynamics, the European Commission launched a legislative proposal for its amendment in March 2023. A year later, the European Parliament and the Council adopted the new REMIT Regulation.

What is the REMIT Quarterly?

The REMIT Quarterly is ACER’s main channel of communication with stakeholders on REMIT-related matters, providing updates on ACER’s REMIT activities.

The 36th edition covers the first quarter of 2024 and features:

• ACER and European Commission joint workshop on REMIT II implementation (11 June 2024). Register for free here.
• Further details on the implications of the revised REMIT Regulation (published on 17 April 2024 in the Official Journal of the European Union).
• Report on a REMIT breach in the Italian gas market, where the national energy regulator ARERA imposed a €940,000 fine on ENET Energy S.A.
• Updated overview of the sanction decisions under REMIT for 2024, with 361 cases under review at the end of the first quarter.
• Statistics for Registered Reporting Mechanisms’ (RRMs’) contingency reports.
• Overview of trading on organised market places in the first quarter of 2024.
• Other REMIT updates.

Access the 36th issue of the REMIT Quarterly.

Access all issues of REMIT Quarterly.