Real-time interface
From 2024, it will be mandatory in the Netherlands to install a real-time interface for solar parks and wind turbines above 1 MW. This allows the grid operator to intervene immediately in the event of acute grid congestion. Read below what this means for you.
Most frequently asked questions about the real-time interface:
Netbeheer Nederland: “With the energy transition, a large-scale emergence of sustainable generation installations in the distribution networks of regional grid operators is visible. This development ensures the return of large powers to grid parts that were not originally designed for this. This has already led to congestion problems and transport restrictions in many places. The purpose of the interface is to enable collaboration between generators and grid operators to increase and better utilize transport capacity and safely maintain the electricity network.”
The real-time interface is mandatory for generation installations with an installed capacity between 1 and 50 MW. That is category B of the European Regulation Requirement for Generators (RfG) . At a later stage, the real-time interface will be developed for the other categories: A, C and D.
From 2024, the real-time interface will be mandatory for new generation installations with a capacity greater than 1 MW.
The owner of a generation installation must provide a certified customer endpoint to which the DSO connects. The Teleport is such a certified customer endpoint. After the Teleport has been added to the installation, the generating installation can be put into operation.
The grid operator requires certified equipment for the real-time interface at the connection point (PCC or point of common coupling). The equipment of the generation installation itself (e.g. PV inverter) often does not meet this requirement.
Legislation real-time interface
The real-time interface (RTI) is used to prevent an overcrowded energy grid and to stimulate flow. This is an implementation of European regulations (Regulation (EU) 2016/631 – Requirement for generators ) to ensure an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system. Real-time interface is the solution with which you as an energy generator, together with the grid operator(s), keep the energy system in optimal condition. In this way, transport capacity is increased to connect more sustainable energy, make better use of the grid and also keep it safe. The RTI requirement, developed by Netbeheer Nederland , is also guaranteed in the new energy law and the electricity grid code .
What is the advantage of the real-time interface?
The real-time interface gives the grid operator insight into and control over energy flows and connections. Because the grid operator now has an emergency brake, he can release the reserve capacity on the grid earlier. This creates more connection capacity. It is also the case the other way around. If there is less capacity on the grid than expected, the grid operator can send the signal that the installation may supply more power than previously agreed. Current grid connections of generating installations are often limited to fifty or seventy percent of the peak power. The RTI therefore not only serves as an emergency brake, but also as an extra green light.
Technical design real-time interface
The version 1.0 of the real-time interface consists of a customer endpoint and a DSO (grid operator) endpoint. These are linked together on location by a physical Ethernet cable. The communication between both endpoints takes place according to the IEC-61850 protocol. For example, in the event of acute congestion , the grid operator can send a control signal to switch back the generating system. As the picture shows, the RTI is separate from the balancing markets. The RTI is a communication protocol between the connected party (generator) and the grid operator. If the RTI is used, a compensation will follow. The possible compensation from the balancing markets (such as Gopacs) is separate from the RTI compensation.
Legally required for generators
As a generator in category B 1-50 MW, you are responsible – and therefore obliged from 2024 – to have a certified customer endpoint. The grid operator must connect its own DSO endpoint to this. The new installation is then put into operation. In the future, existing generation installations will also have to comply with the RTI.
Why Withthegrid Teleport as a customer endpoint?
Withthegrid Teleport is the first customer endpoint with RTI functionality. It meets all legal requirements and was developed together with the Dutch grid operators. The critical data streams that are sent are optimally secured. The Withthegrid Teleport is certified by DNV, the world’s leading classification body and leading expert for the energy value chain including renewables and energy savings. In addition, the principles of the European Network for Cyber Security have been incorporated into the design. The Withthegrid Teleport has already been used by leading parties to monitor and control assets for imbalance markets, intraday trading, FCR and to comply with the real-time interface requirement.
This is how you connect your assets
The Withthegrid Teleport can be connected to all types of PV inverters, wind turbines and batteries. For a current list, see the Teleport page. Is your asset not listed? Contact us and we will add it!
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