The energy sector is developing rapidly. The process of European market integration began some years ago. Its purpose is to create a single European market that enables market parties to trade gas and electricity across national borders easily and efficiently.
Electricity market
Transparency data
We provide transparency data on our operations on our Dutch and German transparency page and on ENTSO-E.
To transparency pagesE-Insights
Our vision is to be one of the most transparent Transmission System Operators (TSO) in Europe and thereby creating value for society. In this Energy Insights section we present selected energy related topics and show data, information and valuable insights.
Procedure and lead time
In the case of a new connection, TenneT will discuss the possibilities with you, and together we will explore, if necessary with the regional grid operator, what the best connection option is for your particular situation.
We will then produce a technical plan for this, accompanied by an offer. After the order has been placed, TenneT will create the connection. As soon as the connection is delivered, it will be put into service. On average it takes 12 to 18 months to create a new connection to the high-voltage grid (in a situation where expansion of the grid is unnecessary).
1. Information phase
This phase is used to hold talks with the customer. Based on the outcome, TenneT will make a quick scan so as to identify the substation to which the customer can be connected, provide a rough timeline for doing this and estimate the total costs. On request TenneT will also submit an offer for a basic design. In order to arrive at a good quotation for the basic design, the customer must fill in the 'information request form for the customer connection (basic design)'.
2. Basic design phase
The basic design will work out the request for a connection in greater detail, including a project description, planning aspects, licences and the technical properties of the connection. Subject to approval, this phase will end with signature of the construction agreement, in which the planning and the costs will be agreed.
3. Construction phase
This phase formally starts at the time of signature of the construction agreement. Throughout the entire construction phase, TenneT will hold regular talks with the customer for example to close an Connection and Transport agreement.
Connection process: 'Hessels'
A customer who wants a connection to the grid with a connected load greater than 10 MVA can have TenneT perform the work or subject the connection work to public tender. If the customer has the connection work performed by someone other than TenneT, no connection fee will be charged for the connection in question other than for the tasks performed by TenneT in association with the connection work, such as ensuring that the safety and reliability of the grid is maintained. TenneT and the customer shall agree on a reasonable fee for these tasks, which will be specified according to task and based on the number of hours actually spent by TenneT on them. Labour costs for the hours spent on each task shall also be specified. In addition to establishing the connection, the connected party may also request tenders for work involved in maintaining the connection, modifying the connection and removing the connection (removal).
European Codes
The new European connection codes are coming into effect in the course of 2019. Based on English titles, these codes are designated using the following abbreviations:
- NC RfG: This code contains requirements for the grid connection of generators/electricity-generating units and comes into effect on 27 April 2019.
- NC DCC: This code contains requirements for the grid connection of demand facilities and closed distribution systems and comes into effect on 18 August 2019.
- NC HVDC: This code contains requirements for HVDC connections and electricity-generating units with direct current connections and comes into effect on 8 September 2019.
The European codes can be found at various locations, including the TenneT website (only Dutch).
Compliance verificatieverplichtingen
The European codes set all kinds of requirements for demonstrating that the connected facilities actually comply with the European codes, these exceeding those incorporated in current Dutch codes. These measures constitute what we call compliance verification.
For small electricity-generating units (up to 1 MW), it is sufficient to submit a certificate. For larger electricity-generation units and for demand facilities whose supply is driven by demand, more extensive testing is required to verify compliance.
Together with regional grid operators, TenneT has drawn up a document that provides detailed explanations of the tests required for the specific facilities.
This document, which is currently limited to electricity-generating units, can be consulted on the website of branch association Netbeheer Nederland (only Dutch).
Questions?
