Large Scale Generation Grid Connection Information Pack. 1 st October 2015

Transcription

1 Large Scale Generation Grid Connection Information Pack 1 st October 2015

2 Factors to consider for a Renewable Energy Project The success of a renewable energy project involves bringing many individual factors together as shown in the above. The connection of your renewable energy project to the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks ) electricity grid is only one factor to consider in your overall project. This information pack will take you through the key factors to be considered and the steps required when obtaining a grid connection.

3 Connecting Large Scale Generation to the Electricity Network As renewable energy technologies become more mature and common, there is an increasing demand on Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) to provide connections to the Northern Ireland network. At this point Large Scale Generation (LSG) in the main takes the form of wind farms and more recently solar parks, typically 5-40MW in size. For information on the quantities of connected generation visit: Where a developer wishes to connect and operate a generator in parallel with the NIE Networks electricity grid, the developer must apply to NIE Networks for connection. Once a connection application is successfully processed the developer will then enter into a connection agreement with NIE Networks. Large Scale Generation (LSG) may connect to either the distribution or transmission network: - For a transmission connection (i.e. at 110kV and above) please contact System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) for more details on this process - For a distribution connection (i.e. at up to 33kV), this document details the process for connection with NIE Networks The following information sheets outline the process, application fees and conditions for obtaining a large scale generation connection offer to connect to the NIE Networks distribution network. Customers or their representatives must register online via the NIE Networks web site, at to obtain a full application pack. Alternatively, NIE Networks can be contacted by post at the address below: Summary of the Contents in this information pack: 1. General Safety Information 2. Feasibility Study and Fees Central Processing and Registration Northern Ireland Electricity Networks 57 Dargan Road Belfast BT3 9JU Large Scale Generation Connection Process 4. Application Information and Fees 5. Connection Design 6. Transmission Connections (SONI) 7. Pre-Construction & Construction Works 8. Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) 9. Complaints Annex 1- Relevant Legislation

4 1. General Safety Information NIE Networks would draw your attention to the considerable danger associated with working in the vicinity of electrical equipment, whether underground or overhead. The greatest care must be exercised not to come into contact or to bring materials, equipment, appliances or tools too close to electrical equipment, otherwise workers and indeed other persons not directly concerned may be subject to very grave risk, which may lead to a serious or even fatal accident. Site safety must be in accordance with HSE Guidance Note GS6 (Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Electric Lines) and HSE Booklet HS(G)47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services). Further information can be found on NIE Networks safety website at or at Clearance to NIE Networks Distribution Network (Diagram 1) Diagram 1

5 Clearance to NIE Networks Transmission Network (Diagram 2) Diagram 2 2. Feasibility Study and Fees At the request of a customer, NIE Networks can carry out a feasibility study for projects that are at an initial investment appraisal stage in order to assist customers wishing to connect generators and export energy to the electricity network. This study is optional and provides information which may help a customer develop their business plan. In order to request a feasibility study for a particular project, NIE Networks requires the customer to complete NIE Networks Generator Enquiry Form and forward it to NIE Networks with the appropriate non-refundable fee (see fee schedule below). A copy of the generator's electrical data sheet may also be attached if this is available. Generation Maximum installed Capacity Feasibility Study Fee More than 150kW 1,132 All fees listed are exclusive of VAT which should be added at the current tax point rate of 20%. Cheques should be made payable to Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd. NOTE: The cost to apply for a feasibility study is linked to the Statement of Charges that is currently approved and may be subject to change in line with future approved Statement of Charges. Only on receipt of both the fee and adequate technical information will NIE Networks be in position to progress a feasibility study. It may take NIE Networks up to three months to provide a feasibility study following receipt of all required information and appropriate payment.

6 The feasibility study will consider the most appropriate connection arrangement at your specific location, at that point in time, and details of the work required to provide connection for the requested capacity and technology. The feasibility study will provide potential developers with: an indication that a connection is achievable an indicative cost for providing a suitable network connection and an outline of the work involved in constructing the connection including information on: connection voltage level connection point to NIE Networks network details of the connection arrangement This will help applicants to decide if they wish to proceed with their project as planned. Applicants should be aware that a feasibility study does not reserve network capacity for a particular project, and NIE Networks cannot guarantee that a connection will be available when an application makes a formal application for connection. The study is effectively a snapshot at a point in time. 3. Large Scale Generation Connection Process Diagram 3 provides an overview of the process for applying to NIE Networks for a large scale generation connection and outlines the basic steps to be worked through. The diagram highlights where connection offers may be impacted by any requirement for transmission work and how the process may be modified to include inputs from the Transmission Planner, SONI. More detail on this in Section (6) - Transmission Connections. It also explains the process which NIE Networks works through once an offer has been accepted by an applicant. More detail on this in Section (7) - Pre-Construction & Construction works.

7 Diagram 3 Large Scale Generation Process (Diagram 3)

8 4. Application Information and Fees A grid connection application (leading to an offer) is available to all customers. There is no requirement to have a feasibility study carried out before making a connection application. When a connection application is received by NIE Networks, it is registered and given a unique job reference number. The applicant will be informed of this number in writing and should quote this number when inquiring about their application. This study is a full technical appraisal and requires the applicant to submit a formal application (referred to as the NIE Networks Generator Questionnaire) including the full technical specification of the generators being connected, details of planning permission and the appropriate non-refundable fee. Relevant Connection Application Fees (CAF) can be found in the Statement of Charges at the following link: Statement-ver.aspx NOTE: The cost to apply for a grid connection application is linked to the Statement of Charges that is currently approved and may be subject to change to future approved Statement of Charges. Customer Category Connection Application Fee NIE Networks fee s: C D Customer requiring a generation capacity of more than 150kW and less than or equal to 2MW: 5,659 e.g. 250kW application fee = Category C = 5,659 (+VAT) Customer requiring a generation capacity of more than 2MW: e.g. 4.5MW application fee = Category D = 8,488 (+VAT) SONI fee s*: (To be paid to NIE Networks in addition to the NIE Networks fee) 8,488 S1 S2 Additional fee for a customer requiring a generation capacity of more than or equal to 5MW and less than 20MW and whose connection requires a detailed assessment by SONI for its effect on the Transmission System: e.g. 5.5MW application fee = Categories D + S1 = 8, ,696 = 34,184 (+VAT) Additional fee for a customer requiring a generation capacity of more than or equal to 20MW and whose connection requires a detailed assessment by SONI for its effect on the Transmission System: e.g. 25MW application fee = Categories D + S2 = 8, ,867 = 45,355 (+VAT) 25,696 36,867 *NIE Networks collects this cost from the customer and then pays this fee to SONI. For more information on what this fee covers please visit

9 All the fees listed above are exclusive of VAT which should be added at the current tax point rate of 20%. Application fees must be paid by cheque all cheques should be made payable to Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd. The application will be checked to ensure it contains: Completed Generator Questionnaire and all documentation referred to within the questionnaire Technical specifications of generators including: Flicker co-efficient Starting currents and type of starter for each generator installed Impedance data for each generator installed and connecting network to the point of connection Harmonic studies Single line diagram 1: 25000, 1:2500 and 1:500 scale site location plans Site layout plan, including proposed substation location Easting and Northing co-ordinates of each generator Easting and Northing co-ordinates of customer substation Total Generator(s) Capacity along with Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) 1 Required The relevant Connection Application Fee If Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) 2 >200kVA then load details required If the application does not have all the required information, NIE Networks will write to the applicant and request this information. In relation to timeline to make the offer, the job will be put on hold until all this information is received. Planning permission is no longer a pre-requisite for an application, however if you do have planning permission for your development (or do not require planning permission), please send evidence of this and any relevant details. Following the receipt of all information and payments, the processing of a formal connection offer, which includes only distribution works, may take three months to complete. Note that if transmission works are required SONI may need to input into the offer - see Section (6) Transmission connections. The connection offer will outline the connection voltage, connection costs, terms and conditions for connection and details of the work required to provide the connection for the requested capacity and technology. 5. Connection Application Design A preliminary design will be carried out to determine how the generator would be connected, including: Studies to determine technical feasibility Route considered Preliminary specification of design Going forward it is likely that in many instances large scale generation will be connected to cluster substations. These cluster substations are effectively extensions of the transmission network at 110kV to bring a main connection node closely to groups of renewable generation. NIE Networks published Statement of Charges provides details of the criteria which apply to clusters. At the preliminary design stage, consideration will be given to connecting the generator to a cluster or to an existing main substation depending on the specific circumstances. Where further transmission related assessment is required then SONI will be required to carry out transmission design work and provide design and cost information to NIE Networks. More detail on this in Section (6) - Transmission Connections (SONI). 1 Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is the value you are requesting to be recorded against Your connection in NIE Networks system as the maximum capacity that can be generated/exported by your connection 2 Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) means the value recorded against Your connection in NIE Networks system as the maximum capacity that can be used/imported by your connection

10 When the connection method has been agreed, then NIE Networks will carry out a detailed design of the connection including: Plant requirements including Switchgear Protection requirements Overhead Line route (and options) Underground cable route Environmental considerations/constraints Civil works Scada and Communications requirements Site visits will carried out to the determine detailed route and plant requirements The offer will then be issued to the applicant within 90 days. It will include Details of the connection design with diagrams The cost of the connection. Details of how to accept the offer and the necessary deposit required Details of security payments if applicable Estimated timeframe for completion This offer is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and the applicant must forward their acceptance of terms and deposit to NIE Networks within this 90 day period. Once the offer has been accepted and the deposit paid, NIE will proceed with the activities required to connect the generator to the Distribution System. More detail on this in Section (7) - Pre-Construction & Construction works. If the offer is not accepted within the stipulated 90 day period, then the application will become void and the applicant will need to re-apply if they wish to continue to pursue a connection. NOTE: The costs of your grid connection will be linked to the Statement of Charges that is approved at that point in time when the offer is made, and may be subject to change to future approved Statement of Charges if a re-quote is required. 6. Transmission Connections (SONI) To satisfy the requirements of the EU s IME3 directive, the transmission planning function of NIE Networks transferred to the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) on 1st May SONI now undertake all transmission investment planning activities (including transmission connections) and are responsible for establishing the location and routing arrangements, along with securing consents for transmission projects. NIE Networks is responsible for the construction of transmission projects. In some circumstances transmission works are required to produce the complete offer. This may be the case where a cluster is involved. In this scenario NIE Networks will request an extension of time from the UR to provide an offer to allow for SONI to determine any necessary transmission works. NIE Networks will inform the customer if an extension is required and how long the extension has been granted for. The job will be put on hold during this time.

11 7. Pre-Construction & Construction Works The cost basis of the connection depends on the extent of the construction work required to connect the scheme along with any appropriate reinforcement and maintain the electricity network within statutory voltage and reactive power limits. Please refer to the Statement of Charges for Connection to the Northern Ireland Distribution System for indications of costs for connection: Statement-ver.aspx When you accept the Terms of Connection of Generation and make any necessary payment, NIE Networks will: Complete a full survey of the route Seek to obtain wayleaves from landowners Seek to obtain DOE Planning Permission for overhead line work. Obtain DETI Article 40 consent for the overhead line if required. Procure major items of plant Agree suitable earthing design for the site. Stage 3 harmonics to be approved by NIE Networks Complete necessary legalities Final construction and energisation works Generation however cannot begin until both the owner of the generator and NIE Networks have signed the Generator Agreement (which will be supplied by NIE Networks). The Agreement must be signed by you, witnessed and returned to NIE Networks. Your installer is required to complete G59 3 testing and submit the test results and Schedule 1A form (supplied by NIE Networks along with your connection offer) to NIE Networks for approval. If approved, NIE Networks will sign the Generator Agreement and schedule 1A form and return a copy to you for your records. 8. Renewable Obligation Certificates The Renewables Obligation (RO) is the main support mechanism for renewable electricity projects in the UK. It places an obligation on all UK suppliers of electricity to source an increasing proportion of their electricity from renewable sources. A Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) is a green certificate issued by OFGEM to an accredited renewable energy generator for eligible renewable electricity generated within the United Kingdom and supplied to customers within the United Kingdom by a licensed electricity supplier. In Northern Ireland OFGEM manage the ROC administration process on behalf of the Nl Utility Regulator. For further information you can contact: Utility Regulator, Queens House, 14 Queen Street, Belfast, Bt1 6ED - Tel No: or log on to their website DETI, Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4 2JP - Tel No: or log on to their website 3 NIE Networks Engineering Recommendation G59/1/NI

12 9. Complaints At NIE Networks, customer service is very important to us. However, if you are unhappy with any aspect of our customer service you can submit a complaint: Online: visit Our customer helpline, , is open from 8am-5pm, Monday- Friday. In writing to: Customer Relations Manager Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited Carn Industrial Estate Portadown, BT63 5QJ Consumer Council If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction or if at any time you are unhappy with our response, the Consumer Council, an independent body, may be able to help: Online : visit By phone In writing to: The Consumer Council Floor 3, Seatem House, Alfred street Belfast, BT2 8EN

13 Relevant legislation regarding connections includes: ANNEX 1- LEGISLATION The Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 o Article 19- Duty to connect on request o Article 20- Procedure for requiring a connection o Article 21- Exceptions from duty to connect NIE Networks Distribution Licence. o Condition 30- Requirement to Offer terms for Connection to and Use of Distribution System

14 Applications should be sent in hard copy to: Central Processing & Registration Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited 57 Dargan Road BELFAST BT3 9JU Telephone: For further information visit nienetworks.co.uk