Introduction

As the world rapidly shifts towards a sustainable energy future, the widespread integration of renewable energy sources (RES) like solar and wind into existing electricity grids presents both immense opportunities and significant technical challenges. Grid Code Compliance for Renewable Integration has emerged as a critical discipline to ensure that these intermittent and often variable sources can seamlessly and reliably connect to, and operate within, the national grid without compromising stability or power quality. Grid codes, established by national and regional regulatory bodies, define the technical and operational requirements that all generating units, including renewables, must meet to maintain a secure and efficient power system. Without strict adherence to Grid Code Compliance for Renewable Integration, the ambitious targets for decarbonization risk being undermined by grid instability, increased operational costs, and potential blackouts, highlighting the paramount importance of this specialized field. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Grid Code Compliance for Renewable Integration.

This intensive 10-day training course is meticulously designed to empower power system engineers, renewable energy developers, utility professionals, grid operators, and regulatory bodies with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical tools necessary to understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with grid codes for renewable energy projects. Participants will gain a deep understanding of grid code requirements related to fault ride-through, reactive power capabilities, frequency and voltage control, and power quality. The course will delve into topics such as grid connection studies, modeling of renewable energy plants, testing and verification procedures, the role of power electronics in compliance, and international best practices in grid code development. By mastering the principles and practical application of Grid Code Compliance for Renewable Integration, participants will be prepared to navigate the complex technical and regulatory landscape, accelerate the deployment of clean energy, and contribute significantly to the reliability and resilience of modern power grids.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Power System Engineers
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Grid Operators and Dispatchers
• Utility Planning and Operations Engineers
• Consulting Engineers (Power & Renewables)
• Regulatory Body Staff
• Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturers
• Researchers and Academics in Power Systems
• Project Managers for Renewable Energy Installations
• Investors in Renewable Energy Projects

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental purpose and structure of grid codes in power systems.
• Learn about specific grid code requirements for renewable energy plants.
• Acquire skills in performing grid connection studies for solar, wind, and other RES.
• Comprehend techniques for modeling renewable energy generators for grid integration analysis.
• Explore strategies for ensuring fault ride-through capability for RES.
• Understand the importance of reactive power control and voltage stability for renewables.
• Gain insights into frequency response and active power control requirements.
• Develop a practical understanding of power quality standards and their impact on RES.
• Learn about testing and verification procedures for grid code compliance.
• Master the role of power electronics in meeting grid code requirements.
• Acquire skills in assessing and mitigating grid integration challenges for renewables.
• Understand international best practices and evolving grid codes.
• Explore energy storage integration from a grid code perspective.
• Develop proficiency in navigating the regulatory and contractual aspects of compliance.
• Prepare to contribute to the reliable and efficient integration of renewable energy.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Power System Grid Codes

• What are grid codes? Purpose, scope, and objectives.
• Evolution of grid codes in response to renewable energy penetration.
• Key regulatory bodies and their roles in grid code development.
• Structure of typical grid codes: general requirements, connection requirements, operational requirements.
• Consequences of non-compliance: penalties, grid instability.

Module 2: Fundamental Power System Concepts for Renewables

• AC power fundamentals: active, reactive, apparent power.
• Voltage and frequency control basics.
• Power system stability: transient, steady-state, dynamic stability.
• Synchronous generators vs. inverter-based generators.
• Impact of renewable energy variability and intermittency on grid operation.

Module 3: Grid Connection Procedures and Studies

• Steps for connecting a renewable energy plant to the grid.
• Types of grid connection studies: load flow, short circuit, stability.
• Data requirements for grid connection studies.
• Software tools for power system analysis (e.g., PSS/E, PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
• Interpreting study results and identifying potential issues.

Module 4: Fault Ride-Through (FRT) Requirements

• Understanding FRT (Low Voltage Ride-Through - LVRT, High Voltage Ride-Through - HVRT).
• Grid code specifications for FRT capability of RES.
• Principles of fault detection and reactive current injection during faults.
• Role of power electronics (inverters) in achieving FRT.
• Testing and verification of FRT capability.

Module 5: Reactive Power Control and Voltage Support

• Importance of reactive power in voltage stability.
• Grid code requirements for reactive power capability of RES.
• Voltage control modes for inverters: power factor control, voltage control, reactive power control.
• Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) and other FACTS devices for voltage support.
• Impact of RES on grid voltage profiles and mitigation strategies.

Module 6: Frequency Response and Active Power Control

• Grid code requirements for frequency response from RES.
• Primary, secondary, and tertiary frequency control contribution from renewables.
• Active power curtailment and ramp rate control.
• Role of energy management systems (EMS) in active power dispatch.
• Impact of high RES penetration on system inertia and frequency stability.

Module 7: Power Quality Standards and Mitigation

• Understanding power quality issues: harmonics, flickers, voltage sags/swells.
• Grid code limits for power quality parameters.
• Impact of inverter-based generation on power quality.
• Mitigation techniques: filters, active power filters, specialized control algorithms.
• Measurement and monitoring of power quality compliance.

Module 8: Protection and Relaying for Renewable Plants

• Specific protection requirements for solar PV plants and wind farms.
• Overcurrent, over/under voltage, over/under frequency protection for RES.
• Islanding detection and anti-islanding protection schemes.
• Grid code requirements for protection coordination.
• Fault isolation and restoration for renewable energy plants.

Module 9: Modeling of Renewable Energy Generators

• Dynamic modeling of wind turbines (Type 1, 2, 3, 4 generators).
• Modeling of solar PV inverters and plant controllers.
• Representing energy storage systems in power system models.
• Parameters required for accurate modeling and simulation.
• Using manufacturer-provided models and generic models.

Module 10: Testing and Verification for Grid Code Compliance

• Types of tests: factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT).
• Compliance testing procedures for various grid code requirements (e.g., FRT, reactive power).
• Specialized testing equipment and methodologies.
• Documentation and reporting of test results.
• Role of independent third-party verification.

Module 11: Energy Storage Integration and Grid Codes

• Role of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in meeting grid code requirements.
• BESS for providing ancillary services (frequency regulation, voltage support).
• Grid code specific requirements for BESS connection and operation.
• Optimizing BESS dispatch for both revenue and grid services.
• Future trends in hybrid renewable-storage plants and their compliance.

Module 12: Microgrids and Distributed Energy Systems Compliance

• Grid code considerations for microgrid connection and islanded operation.
• Compliance for distributed generation within urban or localized grids.
• Challenges and solutions for multi-source microgrids.
• The concept of virtual power plants (VPPs) and their grid code implications.
• Regulatory frameworks for microgrid development.

Module 13: International Grid Code Best Practices and Harmonization

• Comparison of grid codes from different regions (e.g., Europe, North America, Asia).
• Identifying commonalities and differences in requirements.
• Initiatives for grid code harmonization and standardization.
• Lessons learned from global experiences in renewable integration.
• Adapting international best practices to specific national contexts.

Module 14: Regulatory and Commercial Aspects of Compliance

• Role of regulatory bodies and transmission system operators (TSOs) in compliance enforcement.
• Contractual agreements related to grid connection and operation.
• Incentives and penalties for grid code compliance.
• Financing implications of compliance requirements.
• Risk management related to grid code non-compliance.

Module 15: Future Trends and Evolution of Grid Codes

• Grid codes for offshore wind and large-scale solar farms.
• Requirements for grid-forming inverters.
• Cybersecurity in grid code development and compliance.
• Adaptive grid codes for highly dynamic power systems.
• The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in future compliance.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.