Connection of Dispersed Generation to the Distribution Networks

The term "decentralized generation" is used to describe all low-power electrical production connected to the public transmission network (PTR) in HVB1 (a few dozen megawatts) or distribution in HTA (250 kW to 12 MW) or LV (a few kilowatts to 250 kW). This article is limited to decentralized generation connected to the public distribution network (PDS), defined at [D 4 200] , which accounts for around 95% of decentralized generation.

The development of distributed generation needs to be examined from two main angles: firstly, the impact on the grid to which the plant is directly connected, and secondly, the impact on the operation and safety of the power system as a whole. This latter aspect leads to a different treatment of the continental European power system, characterized by a large interconnected power grid, and the small island power systems known as ZNI (Zone Non Interconnectée).

For editorial reasons, this topic on "Connecting distributed generation to distribution networks" has been split into three articles that logically follow one another:

• This article [D 4 239] deals with the regulatory and organizational aspects of developing distributed generation;

• the second article [D 4 241] deals with the conditions for integrating distributed generation into the power system;

• the third article [D 4 242] deals exclusively with the technical aspects of connection to MV networks.

This first article outlines the reasons for the development of decentralized generation, mainly through the French Energy Policy, based on the Multiannual Investment Program (or PPI) and the introduction of feed-in tariffs, particularly for renewable energies (or EnR). This article looks at the conditions...