Connection to the grid

Updated: 17.01.2019

Author: Christina Blajin

The plant operator is entitled to connection to the grid by the grid operator, if the plant operator complies with the technical requirements for connection to the grid (Item 8 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007 and Item 5 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 267/2007). In order to connect a power plant to the grid, the plant operator and the grid operator shall conclude a grid connection contract.

Procedure

Process flow

The plant operator has to apply for a technical authorisation for grid connection at the Moldavian transmission system operator (TSO) IS Moldelectrica (Item 129 of technical norms approved by Decision 266/2007). The minimum information to be handed in with the application is defined by law. This includes, for example, information on the plant operator, on the plant, its installed capacity and its location (Item 129 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). The TSO will conduct a feasibility study suggesting connection points to the plant operator. Furthermore, the TSO will suggest a timeline for the next steps of grid connection, such as conducting the grid connection works, testing phase, actually connecting the plant to the grid (Item 130 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). The TSO may request additional information from the plant operator if necessary for emitting the technical authorisation (Item 131 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). The TSO may redirect the request for grid connection to a distribution system operator (DSO) in case that the feasibility study shows that the optimal grid connection solution is at a grid connection point in the regulatory area of a DSO (Item 133 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). The information contained in the technical authorisation emitted by the TSO is regulated by law including, for example, the timeline for grid connection, a description of the grid connection solution, etc. (Item 134 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). 

Before connection to the grid is completed, the grid operator tests and monitors the technical conformity of the connecting plant with the technical requirements of the grid operator (Item 181 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). In case that the connecting plant does not fulfil the technical requirements prescribed, the grid operator may request the plant operator to remedy the technical deficits (Item 185 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007).

The grid connection contract can be concluded after a successful testing phase when all technical requirements prescribed by the grid operator are fulfilled and the renewable energy plant can actually be connected to the grid (Item 126 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). 

Deadlines

The technical authorisation for grid connection has to be emitted within 45 days after the receipt of the plant operator’s full application for technical authorisation was recorded (Item 135 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). 

Obligation to inform

The plant operator is obliged to offer the necessary information regarding the technical conditions for grid connection to the plant operator free of charge (Art. 26, par. 1 Law No. 160/2007). 

Priority to renewable energy

  • Priority to renewable energy
  • Non-discrimination

Renewable energy installations have the right to a non-discriminatory access to the grid (Art. 24, par. 1, lit. b Law No. 10/2016). However, the DSO must grant priority to renewable energy installation when dispatching electricity (Art. 42, par. 1, lit. d, Law No. 107/2016).  

Capacity limits (quantitative criteria)

Connection to the grid may be denied if the national grid security would be at risk (Art. 26 par. 3 Law No. 160/2007).

Distribution of costs

The grid connection costs are determined by the TSO in the technical authorisation and have to be borne by the plant operator (Item 134 lit. h) of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007).

Plant operator

The plant operator bears the costs for grid connection (Item 134 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007). 

Grid operator

If the plant operator cannot be granted connection without an upgrade of the grid, the costs for these improvement works are being borne by the grid operator (Item 134 of the technical norms approved by Decision No. 266/2007)

Moldova

Further information

  • ANRE – Agentia Nationala pentru Reglementare in Energetica a Republicii Moldova – Moldavian National Energy Regulatory Authority
  • +373 22 85 29 01
  • ANRE website
  • anre(at)anre.md