GRID CODES

1. INTRODUCTION
 The set of guidelines a transmission system operator (TSO) employs to
specify requirements for accessing the electricity grid is known as the grid
code, also referred to as the transmission code in some countries.
 The distribution system operator (DSO) establishes regulations for the
electrical grid at the low-voltage or distribution level independently in the
distribution code, depending on the nation.
 The low-voltage and distribution grids, respectively, as well as the high and
extra-high voltage grids, are all subject to broad rules governed by the grid
code.
 The code also addresses grid expansion, general grid operation, system
services, and grid consumption.
1. INTRODUCTION
 All systems that feed into the grid network are subject to the grid code's
regulations, whether they are large power plants producing several hundred
megawatts or small solar farms producing only 500 kW.
 Grid codes level the playing field for all participants by establishing a
uniform framework for any assets wishing to connect to the grid. This
manner, when DSOs or TSOs choose which systems are permitted to connect
to the grid, a certain level of fairness is guaranteed (or at least should be).
 As a result, many national grid codes mandate that a new system only be
granted access to the grid if all of the grid code's requirements are satisfied.
 Efficiency is important, too: without a set of rules for grid connections, any
new connection to the electrical grid would be subject to bilateral
negotiations between the TSO/DSO and the applicant.
1. INTRODUCTION
 The existence of grid codes is essential, in the eyes of the grid
operator, to guarantee the grid's dependable operation.
 Without a set of uniform criteria that apply to all applications, it would
be challenging to manage the significant number of new installations
that link to the grid, especially given the quickly growing use of
renewable energies in many nations.
 The dependency between the expansion of renewable energies and the
creation of grid codes is examined by the International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA).
2. THE MAIN ELEMENTS IN THE GRID
CODES
 Fault ride-through requirements
 Active/reactive power control
 Frequency/voltage regulation
 Power quality, and system protection
3. AREAS OF GRID CODE STUDY
• Tanzania Country
• Sub Saharan countries
• European countries
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
• Grid code overview
A variety of technological, operational, commercial, and governance challenges are
covered under the Grid Code.
The Grid Code is divided into a number of "sub-codes" in order to address issues
thoroughly and systematically. Which are:
a. The Grid Code Preamble;
b. The Network Code;
c. The System Operation Code;
d. The Scheduling and Dispatch Code
f. The Metering Code;
g. The Information Exchange Code;
h. The Transmission Tariff Code; and
i. The Governance Code
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
• Below is a brief overview of the main features of each of these sub – codes;
a. The Grid Code Preamble provides the context for the Grid Code and its various
sub-sections. It also contains detailed definitions and acronyms of the terms used
in the Grid Code documents.
b. The Network Code is concerned with the high voltage network's technical
specifications and standards. It is divided into subsections outlining:
i. Connection conditions (for generators, distributors and end-use customers),
ii. Technical design requirements applicable to the Grid Code Participants,
iii. Electrical protection requirements,
iv. Investment planning, process and methodology, and
v. Network Maintenance requirements.
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
c. The System Operation Code sets out the responsibilities and roles of the
Grid Code Participants as far as the operation of the Interconnected Power
System (IPS) is concerned. It addresses, amongst other things:
i. Reliability, Security and safety;
ii. Ancillary Services;
iii. Market operation actions required by the System Operator;
iv. Independent actions required and allowed by customers;
v. Operation of the IPS under abnormal conditions; and
vi. Field operation, maintenance and maintenance co-ordination / outage
planning.
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
d. The Scheduling and Dispatch Code specifies the roles and
obligations of the Grid Code Participants with regard to the Scheduling
and Dispatch of the Interconnected Power System (IPS), more
specifically with regard to matters pertaining to: -
i. Generation Scheduling;
ii. Generation Dispatch;
iii. System Operator roles and responsibilities
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
e. The Metering Code: This code ensures that all present and future Grid Code
Participants will meet a certain Metering standard. It addresses levels of responsibility and
outlines the metering criteria that must be followed. The code has provisions that deal with:
i. Main Metering Installations and check Metering Installations used for the
measurement of active and reactive energy;
ii. The collection of Metering data;
iii. The provision, installation and maintenance of equipment;
iv. The accuracy of all equipment used in the process of electricity Metering;
v. Testing procedures to be adhered to;
vi. Storage requirements for Metering data;
vii. Competencies and standards of performance; and
viii. The relationship of entities involved in the electricity Metering industry
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
f. The obligations of parties with regard to the provision of information for the
implementation of the Grid Code are outlined in the Information Exchange
Code.
To guarantee non-discriminatory access to the Transmission System and the
safe, dependable provision of Transmission services, the Information
requirements as specified for the Grid Code Participants are essential. The
information needs are broken down into:
i. Planning Information,
ii. Operational Information, and
iii. Post-dispatch Information.
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
g. The Transmission Tariff Code outlines the goals and guiding principles
for pricing Transmission services, the use of charges and taxes, and the
process that licensees must follow when submitting requests to alter revenue
standards, tariff levels, or tariff structures. It addresses the;
i. Authority of EWURA to regulate tariffs/charges
ii. Applicability and objectives of the Transmission Tariff Code
iii. Principles for the regulation of income
iv. Approach to the determination of tariff structures and levels
v. Procedure for the Authority Approval and Tariff Change Notifications
3.1. Tanzania Electricity Grid Codes
h. The Governance Code sets out how the Grid Code will be
maintained. It describes the process that will be followed to update the
Grid Code to improve safety, reliability and operational standards.
It sets out how Grid Code Participants can influence the amendment
process and defines who has the authority to recommend and ultimately
approve and enforce the changes.
In addition the document also explain oversight and compliance
requirements that need to be observed by all Grid Code Participants.
3.2. Grid Code in European Countries
 European Network Codes (ENC), which address grid connections,
markets, and system functioning, were required as a result of the Third
Energy Package of European legislation.
 These regulations aim to create a competitive, safe, and sustainable
power market throughout Europe.