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.
• 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.
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
Economic barriers, Regulatory gap
Assessment Severity
2
Assessment
The process must provides solutions for how the fuel cell is installed into a house or accommodation building in order to provide electricity and heat fuelled by natural gas either by gas grid or stand–alone gas tank. Also must present the possibility of connection to electricity grid (injection) and sell electricity (approval) to the grid.
Questions:
Question 1
Who is entitled to make the connection to the building electric system?
In the case of a new user, the installation of the fuel cell must be performed by an authorised electrician/company. For connection to the electricity distribution network, it is necessary to obtain the technical connection (ATR – avizului tehnic de racordare). The connection to the electric system is made on demand by the electricity distributor / supplier.
Question 2
Requirement to connect fuel cell to the gas grid.
In the case of a new user, the installation of the fuel cell must be performed by an authorised gas installation company. For connection to the gas distribution network, it is necessary to obtain the approval of the natural gas distributor / supplier. The connection agreement required(s) are specified in technical norms.
Question 3
Who is entitled to make the connection to the gas network?
The connection to the gas network is made on demand by the natural gas distributor / supplier
Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen
Gas boilers.
National legislation:
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Energy law no. 123/2012
It is general legal framework referring to energy.
- Law no. 50 of 29 July 1991 on the authorization of construction works and some measures for the construction of dwellings
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Order ANRE (Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority) no. 74/2014 for approval of the framework content of technical connections
The framework for technical connections to grid.
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Order (MEC) no. 47/2003 for approving the Procedure for issuance of the permit for the authorization of the execution of constructions located in the vicinity of the objectives / systems in the oil and natural gas sector.
Procedure for issuance of the permit for the authorization of the execution of constructions located in the vicinity of the objectives / systems in the oil and natural gas sector
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Technical Norm for the Design, Execution and Operation of Natural Gas Supply Systems – NTPEE–2008 of 05.02.2009
Technical norm for the design, execution and operation of natural gas supply systems
EU Legislation:
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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.