Connection with flexible access: Design note on the evolution of the framework at federal level

Context

The present note aims at describing the evolutions related to connections with flexible access in the mid/short term and with a focus on the federal grid. These evolutions were initiated for the following reasons: 

• The growing importance of connections with flexible access, in an energy transition context leading to a massive increase of connection requests for renewables, storage and electrified processes that often require to be connected earlier than the grid reinforcements that are necessary to absorb those additional injections/offtakes.
• The received feedback and concerns from Market Parties, highlighting the fact that the current way to treat connection with flexible access needs to be clarified. On the one hand, more transparency is needed on the way the flexible volumes are estimated and on the way Elia makes use of those connections with flexible access in operation. On the other hand, there is a need for more guarantees so that concerned Grid Users can calculate the viability of their business case.
• The willingness from the CREG to amend the Code of Conduct (federal regulatory framework) and have a dedicated and comprehensive framework for connections with flexible access.
• The 2024 incentive related to a “Vision and roadmap on flexibility for congestion management and transparency on flexibility activations for connections with flexible access” as described and approved in CREG decision project (B)658E/84.

The proposed design is based on the existing “Gflex product”, where the flexibility is activated in Real Time with setpoints based on measurement of critical grid elements. Three workshops were organized in Q1 2024 in order to support the proposal of this design and a fourth workshop is planned in June 2024.  Based on the present design and on the feedback from Market Parties to the related public consultation, Elia will:

• Propose a modification of the Code of Conduct to the CREG;

• Identify the other regulated documents (e.g. Connection Contract, Coordination Rules for Congestion Management…) that should be adapted;
• Propose an implementation plan.

Period

Elia invites all stakeholders to submit any comments and suggestions they may have on the document submitted for consultation.

The consultation period runs from Friday 31st of May to Friday 5th of July 2024 at 18:00.

After the consultation period, Elia collects all comments and feedback from the market parties. Elia will analyse these comments and integrate them into a consultation report together with Elia’s responses. In addition to the consultation report, Elia will publish the reactions of the market parties (including names) on the website, unless it is explicitly stated that the contribution is to be considered confidential.