Installation requirement

This LAP analyses:
• The qualification requirements for installers of electrical connections to the building ,
• The requirements for connecting the fuel cell to the gas grid,
• The training and certification requirements for technicians providing gas grid connections
• The differences in treatment between the stationary fuel cells and the benchmark technology.

Glossary:

Connection of the Fuel cell to the electricity system of the building and connection to the gas network.

Pan-European Assessment:

There is no common EU framework for installation of FC micro-CHP units in the buildings or for their connection to the gas grids.
Among the partner countries the qualification requirements for installers entitled to connect stationary fuel cells to the electrical systems of the buildings are similar. In general, the installations can be performed by professionals with an appropriate qualification for work with electric devices.
The connections to the gas grids must also be done by trained and qualified installers. In some countries, the works can be provided only by the distribution network operator, in others the gas professionals must be approved by the gas network operator.
Typically, the requirements for connection of the FC micro-CHP units to the gas grids are stipulated by the distribution grid operators. There are various regulations and standards at national level related to the gas grid connection. No harmonised EU framework in regards to applicable standards and codes is in place.
Is it a barrier?
Yes
Type of Barrier
Operational barriers, Economic barriers
Assessment Severity
1
Assessment
Added complexity of dealing with gas input and thermal and electrical outputs potentially requiring different qualified and certified personnel to oversee the installation and sign off an Installation Certificate and notify the Local Authority of the installation – but this is similar for larger gas CHP systems or solar arrays. Can require use of additional skilled personnel for installation and there is uncertainty as to provisional of permitting approval between different locations. A clear permitting process and approvals regime is needed for the UK

Questions:

Question 1 Who is entitled to make the connection to the building electric system?
Low voltage electrical connections – such that a timing and control unit can be wired in to an existing circuit and electrical output of the fuel cell delivered into a low voltage household network – can be dealt with by a suitably qualified UK Gas Safe registered engineer. Any high voltage circuit modification or/and provision of new electrical connections and circuit board fixtures needs to be undertaken by a qualified electrical engineer or electrician
Question 2 Requirement to connect fuel cell to the gas grid.
Typically, a Residential stationary FC (micro–CHP) would be connected only to a local low pressure gas network. No formal connection agreement is necessary. If a gas connection to the local gas pipe is needed (eg to accommodate a higher gas flow) it would be the responsibility of National Grid Gas Distribution (now Cadent)
Question 3 Who is entitled to make the connection to the gas network?
This can be performed by a qualified UK Gas Safe registered engineer who will be registered with the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
Question 4 Technology to be compared with: Difference of treatment between the Fuel cells and the benchmark technology? If yes: what are the differences?
Gas boiler
Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen
Similar installation requirements and use of qualified, registered technicians for gas CHP or solar PV

National legislation:

EU Legislation:

  • Directive 2009/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity
    Directive 2009/72/EC establishes common rules for the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity, together with consumer protection provisions. It lays down the rules relating to the organisation and functioning of the electricity sector, open access to the market, the criteria and procedures applicable to calls for tenders and the granting of authorisations and the operation of systems. It also lays down universal service obligations and the rights of electricity consumers and clarifies competition requirements.


    Article 25 establishes the “Tasks of the distribution system operator” which include: ensuring the long-term ability of the system to meet reasonable demands for the distribution of electricity […] as well as to ensure that the system operator does not discriminate between system users or classes of system users including e.g. when setting rules for the charging of system users, etc. Article 25 allows, however to require the distribution system operator to give priority to generating installations using renewable energy sources or waste or producing combined heat and power.

    Article 32 sets the rules on “Third party access”: access to the transmission and distribution system, and LNG facilities shall be based on published tariffs, without discrimination between system users. The transmission or distribution system operator may refuse access where it lacks the necessary capacity. Duly substantiated reasons must be given for such refusal,
  • Directive 2009/73/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas
    Directive 2009/73/EC establishes common rules for the transmission, distribution, supply and storage of natural gas.

    Its provisions and obligations apply to Hydrogen Gas by virtue of Article 1 (2), which states that the rules established by this Directive for natural gas, including LNG, shall also apply in a non–discriminatory way to biogas and gas from biomass or other types of gas in so far as such gases can technically and safely be injected into, and transported through, the natural gas system.

    Article 25 establishes the “Tasks of the distribution system operator” which include: ensuring the long-term ability of the system to meet reasonable demands for the distribution of gas […];shall provide any other distribution, transmission, LNG, and/or storage system operator with sufficient information […] as well as to ensure that the system operator does not discriminate between system users or classes of system including, including e.g. when setting rules for the charging of system users, etc

    Article 32 sets the rules on “Third party access”: access to the transmission and distribution system, and LNG facilities shall be based on published tariffs, applicable to all eligible customers, including supply undertakings, and applied objectively and without discrimination between system users.