DER & Plants

This topic focuses on renewable power plants and systems composed of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) that can deliver energy and ancillary services to the power grid. In line with European definitions of grid-connected power generation, the scope includes testing grid services at the levels of Power Generating Systems (PGS) and Power Generating Modules (PGM), as well as their interoperability with Power Generating Units (PGU) for seamless service delivery. 

Examples of such systems include: 

• Distribution-connected PV-battery systems 

• Photovoltaic plants and solar parks 

• Wind power parks 

• Hybrid renewable and storage plants (e.g., PV+Wind, PV+Battery, Wind+Hybrid Storage, Wind+Electrolyzer) 

• Virtual power plants (VPPs) and demand response aggregators capable of providing ancillary services 

A common characteristic of these systems is their ability to support the grid by computing and distributing control signals. Importantly, ancillary services are delivered collectively by the plant, emphasizing the integrated operation of all components

The DER & Plants topic addresses several key challenges in the integration, operation, and testing of renewable and hybrid systems, including: 

• Harmonization of Definitions: Establishing consistent definitions for DER and plant classifications across different standards and regions. 

• Plant Controller Certification: Developing and harmonizing certification processes for plant controllers. 

• Interoperability: Ensuring seamless operation and communication between DER and plant controllers. 

• Functional Testing: Performing comprehensive functional tests of DER systems to validate performance and compliance with standards. 

• Integrated Testing: Conducting combined tests of DER and plant controllers to ensure coordinated operation. 

• Pre-Qualification for Grid Services: Testing and validating renewable and hybrid plants (e.g., PV, wind, hybrid storage) to pre-qualify them for providing grid services. 

• Virtual Power Plants: Functional testing and pre-qualification of VPPs for grid service delivery. 

• Cyber-Physical Security: Addressing cybersecurity and physical security concerns in DER-plant connections and operations.