European Electricity network codes
With increased interconnections between countries of the European Union, the operation of the electricity networks and the monitoring of energy flows become ever more complex.
In order to guarantee security of supply, to ensure the continuous functioning of the electricity system and to enable energy exchanges between the different markets, common EU-wide rules involving all relevant stakeholders of the different Member states are necessary.
These rules, called "Network Codes" or guidelines, govern the cross-border transactions in the electricity market and the operation of power grids. They should facilitate the harmonization, integration and efficiency of the European electricity market.
Network codes come into force after publication in the official journal of the EU and become legally binding. Their different methodologies, procedures and guidelines are to be published and implemented by the relevant stakeholders.
Already approved methodologies and documents are listed below in three groups: market guidelines, connection network codes and guidelines for operating the electrical system.
Market codes and guidelines
Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management (CACM)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1222 establishing a guideline on Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management (CACM) entered into force on 15 August 2015. The provisions of CACM govern the establishment of cross-border EU electricity markets in the day-ahead and intraday timeframes, as well as methods for the calculation of interconnection capacity.
Forward Capacity Allocation (FCA)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1719 establishing a guideline on forward capacity allocation (FCA) entered into force on 17 October 2016. The provisions of FCA establish a framework for the calculation and allocation of interconnection capacity, and for cross-border trading, in forward markets (i.e. timeframes longer than day-ahead).
Electricity Balancing (GLEB)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2195 establishing a guideline on electricity balancing (GLEB) entered into force on 18 December 2017. The provisions of GLEB lay down a detailed guideline on electricity balancing, including the establishment of common principles for the procurement and the settlement of frequency containment reserves, frequency restoration reserves and replacement reserves, and a common methodology for the activation of frequency restoration reserves and replacement reserves.
Connection codes and guidelines
Demand Connection (DCC)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1388 establishing a network code on demand connection (DCC) entered into force on 7 September 2016. The provisions of DCC set out detailed rules relating to the connection of demand facilities to national electricity networks.
Méthodologie | NC Article | Décision | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Regulation on requirements for Demand connection | Art. 12 to 21 | ILR/E19/20 | March 2019 |
Requirements for Generators (RfG)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/631 establishing a network code on requirement for grid connection of generators (RfG) entered into force on 17 May 2016. The provisions of RfG set out detailed rules relating to the connection of power generating installations to national electricity networks.
Methodology | NC Article | Decision | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Proposals for maximum capacity thresholds for types B, C and D power-generating modules | Art. 5 | ILR/E18/11 | April 2018 |
Regulation on general and additional requirements for Grid Connection of power-generating modules type A, B, C and D | Art. 13 to 21 | ILR/E18/43 | November 2018 |
High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of high-voltage direct current system and direct current-connected power park modules (HVDC) entered into force on 28 September 2016. The provisions of HVDC set out detailed rules relating to the connection of high-voltage direct current systems to national electricity networks.
Methodology | NC Article | Decision | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Proposal on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems | Art. 5 | ILR/E22/27 | October 2022 |
You can address your questions or submit your proposals concerning the connexion codes implementation, by email, to the following address: info.CNC_implementation@creos.net
System operation codes and guidelines
Electricity Transmission System Operation (SO)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 establishing a guideline on electricity transmission system operation (SO) entered into force on 14 September 2017. The provisions of SO set out detailed rules relating to safeguarding operational security, frequency quality and the efficient use of the interconnected system and resources.
Emergency and Restoration (E&R)
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 establishing a network code on electricity emergency and restoration (E&R) entered into force on 18 December 2017. The provisions of E&R set out detailed rules for the purposes of safeguarding operational security, preventing the propagation or deterioration of an incident to avoid a widespread disturbance and the blackout state, as well to allow for the efficient and rapid restoration of the electricity system from the emergency or blackout states.
Methodology | NC Article | Decision | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Rules for suspension and restoration of market activities and rules for settlement in case of suspension of market activities | Art. 36(1) & 39(1) | ILR/E21/31 | September 2021 |
Test plan of Creos Luxembourg SA | Art. 43(2) | ILR/E21/31 | September 2021 |