Connection to electricity grid (injection of electricity)

This LAP deals with:
• The grid connection agreements with electricity grid operators,
• The equipment required to connect the stationary fuel cell and to inject all produced or only surplus electricity into the grid,
• The qualification requirements for professionals entitled to carry out the connection works,
• The differences in treatment between the fuel cells micro-CHP and other comparable technologies.

Glossary:

Connection of the Fuel cell to the electricity distribution network with the possibility to inject electricity produced by the fuel cell.
As explained above, there are different possibilities of connection to electricity grid (injection)
• Stand-alone (no injection)
• Sell surplus electricity to the grid
• Sell all electricity to the grid

Pan-European Assessment:

There is no common EU framework for connection of stationary fuel cells to the electricity grids. In general, the connection procedures among partner countries require the conclusion of a connection (injection) agreements with the local/ regional electricity network operator. Each network operator has a model text for connection contract and number of templates to be filled in. The connection requirements are more general for all types of power generating units and are not specified for FC micro-CHP systems. In some countries for the signing of the connection agreement it is necessary to submit quite extensive technical documentation and even to carry out a feasibility study, which may cause additional costs and delays. The time needed for signing of a grid connection agreement vary widely among the partner countries and may take up to six months. Although, this is not seen as a significant operational or economic barrier to the market entry of stationary fuel cells, there is a need to simplify the administrative procedures and to reduce and adapt the required technical documentation and possible preliminary studies.
Is it a barrier?
Yes
Type of Barrier
Operational barrier
Assessment Severity
1
Assessment
The administrative procedures are numerous and need long time to be completed. There are several authorities to contact, lot of documents to prepare and long waiting time (not before 30-45 days).

Questions:

Question 1 Agreement required? a) From whom? b) Model text? c) How much time does it take?
YES
Question 1 Agreement required? a - From whom?
a - Agreement required from: – Local grid distributor (i.e. Enel; “regolamento di esercizio” – operational agreement); – Grid operator (i.e. Terna); – Agenzia delle Dogane.
Question 1 Agreement required? b - Model text?
b - Different models text must be filled in. Documentation according to “Testo integrato delle connessioni attive – Integrated text of active connections- TICA”, for the grid connection with local grid distributor and “sistema Gaudì – system for the data management of the production plants and their units”, for the grid operator. “Testo unico delle accise – Unique text of the excise”, concerning the taxes on production and consumption. Declaration to the "Officina Elettrica" of the local Custom Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane) the existence of the system, receiving a system identification code which will be used for the annual production declaration.
Question 1 Agreement required? c - How much time does it take?
c - 2 months
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: a - all cases
a - Energy exchange meter supplied and installed from the local grid distributor.
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: b - additional requirements in case where all produced electricity is sold (injected)
b - Energy exchange meter supplied and installed from the local grid distributor.
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: c - additional Requirements in case when only surplus electricity is sold (injected)
c - Energy exchange meter supplied and installed from the local grid distributor.
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: d - additional requirements in case of self-consumption (no injection in the grid)
d - Energy exchange meter supplied and installed from the local grid distributor.
Question 3 Who can do the connection work (professional skills requirement)?
A technician of the local grid distributor to install the energy exchange meter. Other connections: an electrician certified according to Ministerial Decree no. 37, published on 12th of March, 2008..
Question 4 Technology to be compared with: Difference of treatment between the Fuel cells and the benchmark technology.
PV and wind plant Differences: the “officina elettrica” is required (tax authority payment) for FC mCHP>1kW, being the FC mCHP fuelled by a non-renewable sources as methane. For PV and wind plant, considered as RES, the “officina elettrica” is required only for P>20kW.
Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen
Solar PV and wind. Some producers require a special training from installers.

National legislation: