DG International Resources

Grid codes provide the rules for the power system and energy market operation, ensuring operational stability, security of supply and well-functioning wholesale markets. A set of grid codes can include, for instance, connection codes, operating codes, planning codes, market codes. This report provides guidance to regulators, policy makers, system operators and other stakeholders on how grid connection codes should be developed and implemented. It considers the country context with a view to enabling a higher share of VRE in the power system (IRENA).

The report is a summarised version of a study which provides an overview of the characteristics of the Indian power system and its problems with regard to a large-scale rooftop PV rollout, as well as a template for distribution companies on how to deal with rising PV shares, which studies to conduct and which technology options to select.
Authour:Thomas Ackermann, Eckehard Tröster, Peter-Philipp Schierhorn, Bharadwaj Narasimhan, Jan-David Schmidt and Dwipen Boruah

This paper addresses the need to define all important aspects of self-consumption with the focus on commercial issues and avoidance of cross-subsidization among consumer’s groups.  A primary goal of this paper is to recognize all important aspects that need to be regulated to make prosumers concept fully effective in practice. Where possible it provides recommendations that can be used as a good practice for policy makers in the European Union Energy Community countries (ECDSO-E Working Group, EU).

This report is the first in a series called “From Sun to Roof to Grid” dealing with distributed photovoltaics.  It targets policy makers, regulators and utilities—and provides a menu of ideas, approaches, and examples to resolve challenges to the deployment of DG and realize the benefits it can bring (World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Program – ESMAP).

This short report defines compensation mechanisms for grid connected, behind-the-meter distributed generation (DG) systems as instruments that comprise three core elements: (1) metering & billing arrangements, (2) sell rate design, and (3) retail rate design. This report describes metering & billing arrangements, with some limited discussion of sell rate design. We detail the three possible arrangements for metering & billing of DG: net energy metering (NEM); buy all, sell all; and net billing.
Authors:
Owen Zinaman, Alexandra Aznar, Carl Linvill, Naim Darghouth, Timon Dubbeling, and Emanuele Bianco

This study covers the “net metering” mechanism in which a self-generating customer can inject the surplus into the grid and receive compensation for each kWh injected. From data collection done in a selection of countries and literature review, an inventory of best practices is presented. (International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Programme).

This brief sets out the policy approaches that will help promote the effective integration of behind-the-meter Distributed Energy Resources. It highlights best practices from around the world to allow the full potential of DERs to be tapped (Regulatory Assistance Programme)

The following document is the final report of the study on ‘Permissible PV penetration level in the Dominican distribution grids’ and supported by GIZ and the Dominican Ministry of Energy and Mines.
The study analyses the maximum PV penetration levels on a number of representatives, real distribution feeders in the Dominican Republic and provides recommendations to improve the current regulatory landscape for distributed generation.
Authors:
Leonard Hülsmann, Alice Turnell and Dr. Thomas Ackermann

Model net metering rules proposed for regulators in the USA (Interstate Renewable Energy Council, USA)

This brief presents key technical, interconnection and regulatory measures that should be considered to enable a smooth integration of renewable-based DG with high modularity and widespread installation in the distribution grid, such as PV and wind power plants.
Authors:
Leonard Hülsmann, Thomas Ackermann and Jan-David Schmidt