1. Brief Context
On 24 April, ministerial diploma no. 119/2023 was approved and subsequently published on 14 November, introducing the long-awaited Renewable Energy Code. This code essentially aims to establish the requirements for connecting Renewable Energy Plants to the National Electricity Transmission and Distribution Network.
This approval is a direct response to Law no. 12/2022 of 11 July, which calls for the legal framework of the electricity sector to be adapted to current dynamics and the Sustainable Development Goals. The legislation prioritises the full use of all energy sources, giving special prominence to renewable energies in the context of the imperative energy transition.
Furthermore, this measure has become necessary due to the urgency of establishing clear rules and procedures. These rules aim to guarantee the harmonious integration of renewable energies into the National Electricity System, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in line with the global targets set.
2. Scope of the law
The Renewable Energy Code covers Renewable Energy Plants connected to the National Electricity Transmission Network and the Electricity Distribution Network for technologies with asynchronous connection to the network, through power electronics, or with synchronous connection to the network, specifically, technologies with asynchronous connection to the network or through power electronic, such as Wind and Solar Photovoltaic (including Floating Solar Photovoltaic), are covered. Technologies with synchronous connection to the network include Biogas, Biomass, Geothermal, Mini-hydro up to 10 MW (as broadly recognised) and Concentrating Solar Thermal.
This code also covers hybrid Renewable Energy Plants, which make exclusive use of several primary renewable sources.
However, it is important to highlight that the code excludes Renewable Energy Plants "off-grid", i.e. connected to "isolated grids", as well as "residential systems using renewable energy" and Self-consumption or production for own use. In addition, excluded from the scope of this code are any emergency power plants or generators, regardless of their primary source, with or without a permanent connection point, which are used by the National Electricity System Manager to provide temporary power and/or in emergency situations when the normal capacity of the grid is totally or partially unavailable. Energy storage not associated with Renewable Energy Plants is also outside the scope of this code.
However, the code stipulates that if the aforementioned plants connect to the transmission networks or distribution networks, they must fulfil the conditions and requirements set out in this document.
3. General Principles for Connecting a Renewable Energy Plant
The Renewable Energy Code establishes that:
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The connection power thresholds of the Renewable Energy Centre and the corresponding minimum voltage levels to be connected, as defined by law, must be observed, taking into account the network available in the region, with the exception of other particular solutions, more or less demanding, provided they are duly substantiated and approved by the National Electricity System Manager;
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The minimum voltage level established for a given power does not limit the connection of that power to higher voltage levels;
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The minimum voltage levels for connecting Renewable Energy Plants according to their connection power, as defined by law, refer exclusively to Renewable Energy Plants connected to Type 1 and Type 2 Transmission and Distribution networks.
4. Technical Requirements for Renewable Energy Plants
The Renewable Energy Code establishes the set of technical requirements for Renewable Energy Plants, namely: the requirements common to all renewable energy plants, Technical Requirements for Renewable Energy Plants with Synchronous Connection and Technical Requirements for Renewable Energy Plants with Asynchronous Connection or Through Power Electronics.
5. Analyses of Digital Security in Communications and Data Exchange
Regarding cyber security in renewable energy installations, the renewable energy code stipulates that it is the responsibility of the National Electricity System Manager to establish principles to be followed by network operators and users. These principles aim to guarantee adequate cybersecurity for electricity system infrastructures, communications and data exchanges. This definition is in line with current and future regulations, derived from the National Cyber Security Strategy in force and Resolution no. 52/19, dated 16 October, which addresses the Information Society Policy.
6. Resilience to Natural Disasters
According to this Code, the National Electricity System Manager is responsible for establishing and publicising rules that guarantee the preservation of the environment, fauna and flora. Based on the geographical location of the power stations, these rules aim, through specific protection measures, to improve the resilience and capacity of the facilities in the face of natural phenomena. This includes, but is not limited to, high-speed winds, high ceraunal indices, significant seismicity, flooding, marked variations in reservoir water levels, intense ultraviolet radiation and other risks identified by the System Manager.
7. Dispute resolution
The Renewable Energy Code establishes that disputes and sanctions or any infringement of the provisions of this code will be settled under the terms established in the Electricity Law in force, i.e. Law no. 12/2022 of 11 July.
8. Entry into force of the law
The Renewable Energy Code was set to enter into force on the day of its publication, i.e. 14 November 2023.
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