What is the Transmission Code?
Definition
The Transmission Code 2007 is a set of rules in which the four transmission system operators define the conditions to access the German electricity grid. It was first drawn up in 1998 by the Association of German Grid Operators (now "Forum Netztechnik/Netzbetrieb" as part of the VDE) in response to the liberalization of the electricity market through the amendment of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). The Transmission Code - sometimes also known as the Grid Code - defines the conditions for access to the German grid control network, since the 1998 revision of the EnWG (Energy Industry Act) implemented the separation of electricity generation, transport, and distribution ("unbundling"). The current German version was adopted in 2007; the European Transmission System Operators’ Association (ENTSO-E) is currently preparing a European version.
Table of Contents
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Purpose of the Transmission Code
The Transmission Code regulates the general connection conditions of installations to the high and extra-high voltage grid and is the framework for grid usage, system services, grid expansion, and general grid operation. The connection conditions for the low-voltage or distribution grid level are set out separately – for example in the Distribution Code 2007 or in the VDE application rules. The rules of the Transmission Code apply to all systems that feed into the grid control network, regardless of whether it is a large power plant with several hundred megawatts or a biogas plant with only 500 kW. Among other things, the Transmission Code defines the individual conditions required for the prequalification of plants for the balancing reserves market, such as the minimum supply level for system services (a band of ± 1 MW for FCR and 5 MW for aFRR and mFRR).
