Basic Micro Embedded Generation Technical Requirements Specification - less than or equal to 30 kVA
Power and Water has published the Basic Micro Embedded Generation Technical Requirements Specification - less than or equal to 30 kVA.
The draft Specification was presented for consultation with stakeholders, particularly installers and equipment manufacturers and suppliers. It provides installers and owners of embedded generation, such as rooftop solar, home batteries and inverters, with the key technical specifications and information about their obligations to connect and interface with the power network.
Review the Basic Micro Embedded Generation Technical Requirements Specification - less than or equal to 30kVA
This Basic Micro Embedded Generation (EG) Technical Requirements Specification document applies to new connections of basic micro EG systems or modifications to existing basic micro EG systems, where the basic micro EG system consists of an inverter energy system (IES), energy storage system (ESS) or a combination of both.
The draft Specification was available for review and comment for us to consider and address.
The consultation period closed on 31 March 2023.
Key updates
Updates included in the Basic Micro Embedded Generation Technical Requirements Specification - less than or equal to 30 kVA, are:
- 10 kVA per phase limit
- Mandating ‘VPP-ready’ requirements for systems that include batteries for both Basic and Negotiated EG Technical Specifications
- Expressing export limits in kW
- Reducing the ramp rate for a decrease in power to 6 minutes.
What this means for me
These updates will apply to all new inverters and have the following impacts for:
- Installers: this will require changes to your installation process to ensure installed inverters are compliant.
- Equipment manufacturers: this will require your products to be compliant with AS4777 2020 and Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved.
- New embedded generator customers: such as new rooftop solar or household batteries - your installer and equipment manufacturer will need to abide by this specification.
- Existing embedded generator customers: Power and Water may need to work with your installer to update the inverter connection to achieve compliance.
Our consultation plan
Engaging with our stakeholders is important, and consultation was a key part of this process. The draft Specification was available for review and comment, with consultation closing on 31 March 2023.
We have gathered and incorporated feedback from a range of stakeholders, including equipment manufacturers and installers, to guide the final Specification updates. As part of our consultations, we:
- published materials and gathered feedback online at powerwater.com.au/your-say
This initial stage of consultation closed on 31 March 2023. - communicated to installers and equipment manufacturers and suppliers via email and SMS notification.
- hosted in-person consultation forums with installers and equipment manufacturers and suppliers in Darwin and Alice Springs in March 2023.
Consultation outcomes
Stakeholders raised no significant issues or concerns with the proposed updates, however did seek clarification on:
When consultation finishes and when the updated specification will come into effect.
The updated specifications will be published and come into effect as soon as possible following close of consultation on 31 March.
What impact the updates will have on existing and operational systems.
Existing and operational systems will be grandfathered under the Specification update. That is, there are no changes needed until current systems are replaced or upgraded.
When the next set of updates can be expected for the 30-200kVA connections.
The 30-200 kVA embedded generation specifications are currently under review and can be expected to be published for consultation in the second half of 2023. Consultation will follow a similar process, with feedback taken online and assisted by an in-person information session or forum.
How the export standard limits were set and are there any options for customers to use larger battery systems.
Export standard limits have been determined through current network analysis and further modelling and scenario analysis to meet network operating standards of safety and reliability for our customers. Aspects of customer equity have also been considered, as more and more systems are connecting, we need to ensure that future connections have their fair share of export allowance. Customers who are considering specialised or large systems can look at engaging through the Negotiated Embedded Generation Specifications consultation process.
If Power and Water will publish a list of pre-approved systems that suit the VPP requirements.
We are investigating the options for VPP-ready systems and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Background
Power and Water’s Embedded Generation Standards divide systems into three categories which apply to both residential and commercial customers:
- Basic (under 30 kVA)
- Negotiated (30 kVA – 200 kVA)
- Large (200 kVA – 2 MW).
This technical requirements document applies to the “basic” category.
The Embedded Generation Standard for Basic Connections under 30 kVa was last reviewed and updated in 2020, along with the Negotiated Embedded Generation Technical Specification (30 kVA - 200 kVA) (PDF 598 KB) .
Since 2020 additional research has taken place allowing us to again review our specifications and update the Basic Micro Embedded Generation Technical Requirements Specification - less than or equal to 30 kVA.