Integration of DG in MV-grids: challenges encountered by the grid operator

A major part of decentralised production in the Netherlands consists of Combined Heat and Power-plants (CHP). Especially in the horticultural sector small CHP-plants with a maximum rating of 2,5 MW are applied. In these areas the CHP-plants are connected to the Medium voltage grid which leads to a high penetration level of CHP-plants. The Dutch law obliges grid operators to connect CHP-plants to the grid in 18 weeks, and prohibits long term transportation restrictions. When dealing with multiple CHP-connection in a grid the legal obligations conflict with planning permissions and project times. The presentation describes a scenario based method, which enables Stedin to plan the grid expansion pro-actively. In the presentation the results of the case study in the Oostland area are presented