Energy transition: VDE is working on new connection rules

The energy transition will bring with it millions of new consumption and generation systems. To make the electricity grids fit for this and accelerate the transition, the VDE Network Technology/Network Operation Forum (VDE FNN) is currently working on new Technical Connection Rules (TAR). They will soon be available for consultation and come into force in 2025.

Until now, a photovoltaic system to be connected had to be able to feed the majority of its generation capacity into the grid. In the future, systems will also be able to be connected if they temporarily or permanently feed only a small amount into the grid or not at all due to a lack of capacity. This will be made possible by feed-in monitoring, explains VDE FNN. If a PV system generates more power, it is used for the customer's own needs or dimmed accordingly. "End customers can thus reduce the cost of their energy requirements and play a greater role in the energy transition, even if there is insufficient grid capacity," explains VDE FNN CEO Joachim Kabs.

With the amendment to the NELEV (Electrotechnical Properties Verification Ordinance), generation systems and storage systems with an installed capacity of between 135 kW and 500 kW can be connected to the grid since mid-May in accordance with a simplified verification procedure. This is based on the verification procedure for small low-voltage systems, which means that a system certificate and proof of conformity are no longer required and bureaucracy is eliminated. Previously, the electrotechnical properties of these generation systems - regardless of the voltage level at which they were connected - had to be verified in accordance with the TAR Medium Voltage.

Standardized connection request

Processes for grid connection requests are also to be standardized. Until now, these have been organized by the approximately 900 distribution grid operators in their area. From 1 January 2025, connection requests are to be standardized and digitized nationwide. To this end, the VDE FNN wants to provide a standardized data set that describes the data required for the application. This set is to become the basis for all web portals set up by distribution system operators. With such standardized information, applications could be processed more quickly and digitally in the future.

The new TARs, which the VDE FNN is working on, are a consequence of Solar Package I, which recently came into force and is intended to bring simplifications and changes to so-called tenant electricity and plug-in solar systems, among other things. Also in mid-May, two ordinances came into force that amend the Electrotechnical Properties Verification Ordinance (NELEV), as well as another ordinance that supplements the NELEV: the Energy System Requirements Ordinance (EAAV).

A key point here is that the exemptions from the certification obligation previously provided for in the NELEV will be extended. In the future, they are to apply to all systems with a maximum total output of up to 500 kW and a maximum feed-in power of 270 kW, regardless of the voltage level. The VDE FNN is to ensure that this regulation is implemented as quickly as possible and that the system security of the electricity grid is maintained. During the transition phase, a few additional material technical requirements will be regulated in a simplified form in the EAAV.

(anw)