The Importance of Building Designing into Electricity Infrastructure Projects

Generating electricity from renewable sources is possibly the most important component in the government’s strategy for climate change and so it’s far from surprising to see a significant rise in connections into the electricity grid. That said, navigating the complex framework of Grid Code compliance (particularly EREC G59, EREC G98, EREC G99, AND EREC G100) is far from simple, but remains one of the most important aspects for any and all electricity infrastructure project to ensure: safety, efficiency, and performance.

As tends to be the case, non-compliance with the Grid Code can pose significant risks (both financial and otherwise) to electricity infrastructure projects. For the purpose of this piece we’ll home in on EREC G99 to demonstrate example of the risks of non-compliance and the challenges that can be created when compliance isn’t built into every aspect of the project.

ENA Engineering Recommendation (EREC) G99

EREC G99 applies to all new energy infrastructure projects to be connected to the distribution network (up to 132kV) and is a compulsory requirement for all such projects connecting into the grid – notably, this covers a range of electricity connections, including solar PV, wind farms, and more, but does include some exemptions for electricity storage technology.

Fundamentally, G99 is designed to safeguard against grid overload and ensure a dependable supply of electricity, with focal areas for compliance including: voltage stability, frequency control, fault-ride through, and reactive power support. Power generating modules are divided into a number of categories, with each requiring incrementally greater levels of compliance, covering everything from basic operational safety and grid compatibility up to analysis of the impact on grid stability and multiple waves of power system analysis. Early identification of the expected analysis is essential in ensuring compliance while streamlining the project itself.

Crucially, evidence of compliance must be provided across numerous stages in the project, requiring a Power Generating Module Document (PGMD) that is updated throughout the project duration. Failure to do so can result in a refusal of connection into the grid and regulatory action. And while a temporary grace period is available in the case of non-compliance, this only extends up to a period of 56 days before facing disconnection from the grid. This offers a very narrow time frame for remedial works and puts even greater pressure on asset owners to the point that non-compliance can jeopardise the financial viability and success of new energy projects.

Fundamentally, G99 compliance must be built into the project process from the onset, with projects facing severe risk of lacking the necessary documentation or having too little time to remediate the issue after the fact. Yet, accountability over compliance is always a concern, with consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders often overlooking key considerations as they home in on key project areas rather than the picture as a whole. In this respect, Green Engineering is the exception to that rule.

Joshua Asobi: Managing Director of Green Engineering details: “As a NERS accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Green Engineering is fully qualified to cover everything from design through constructing and commissioning electrical networks and substation projects. We can ensure compliance at-source and not only make the project process smoother, but integrate compliance into initial designs as a means of minimising project cost, shortening timescales, and offering the reassurances of a single source of accountability for Grid Code compliance. It’s only in working with such a partner that you can guarantee compliance from the onset.”