Technical Requirements for sub 5 MW DER Connections
Background
AEMO undertook a review of technical requirements for sub 5 MW DER Connections in September 2024). This was intended to address the gap in coverage between smaller DER systems covered by AS/NZS 4777.2 and utility-scale plant covered by Schedule 5.2 of the National Electricity Rules (NER), resulting in inconsistencies in how sub 5 MW DER are connected and managed across DNSPs.
The review identified key technical areas relevant to bulk power system security, including voltage and frequency disturbance ride-through, ramping, active power curtailment and remote monitoring.
Following consultation with industry, AEMO is progressing these technical requirements as follows:
- Development of a Guideline for DNSPs to point to and implement through their connection practices, covering bulk power system security requirements relevant to sub 5 MW DER Connections
- Progressing Australian adoption of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Specification IEC 62786-1:2023 Distributed energy resources connection with the grid – Part 1: General Requirements, including bulk power system security requirements as well as broader matters relevant to the distribution network.
This approach is intended to ensure a coordinated transition to the formal standard while addressing immediate system security needs.
What to expect in the DNSP Guideline?
The guideline provides a minimum technical requirement for DER connections under 5 MW relevant for the security of the bulk power system. It provides DNSPs clear requirements they can point to and implement through their connection practices, intended to support and enable national consistency.
What to expect in the Final Consultation Report?
The report summarises stakeholder feedback and AEMO’s responses since the September 2024 consultation paper and subsequent engagement with stakeholders (including DNSPs, OEMs, and developers) and how this has shaped the final requirements and supporting guideline.
Next Steps
1. Implementation and Feedback
AEMO welcomes ongoing feedback from DNSPs, OEMs, and developers as they implement the guideline. The guideline may evolve over time with to reflect implementation learnings and operational experience.
2. Collaboration with Standard Australia
AEMO will work closely with Standards Australia EL-064 committee towards the development of a suitable Australian standard for DER connections considered in the review. Insights from development of the DNSP Guideline and implementation will help to inform and support this process.
We welcome all feedback at [email protected] with the subject line ‘Feedback on Sub 5MW DNSP Guideline or Final Consultation.’