Energinet ordered to submit approval request for new grid-connection method

Energinet has changed the way it decides which large projects get access to Denmark’s strained electricity grid. But the state-owned company introduced the new model without first sending it to the Energy Supply Regulatory Authority for approval, prompting the regulator to issue an order.

Energinet now has six months to describe the model in detail before submitting it for review. The authority’s director, Carsten Smidt, told Ritzau that approval would follow if the model met the required criteria. He said the order concerned the missing approval request, not necessarily a breach of the rules governing grid connections.

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We will approve it if we assess that it meets the criteria it must meet.

In the past, large projects seeking a connection were handled individually and continuously. In May, Energinet said it would instead group projects into pools and process them according to their maturity, progress and “grid friendliness.” The regulator will examine whether the approach follows the principles of “non-discrimination” and “objectivity.”

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non-discrimination

Energinet can continue using the method until the authority reaches a decision. The order comes after sustained criticism that Denmark’s power grid has expanded too slowly, including criticism from the National Audit Office. In March, Energinet paused connections for new projects. It later said no new connection agreements would be signed until autumn, while very large projects could face waits of five to 10 years. Energinet also acknowledged that demand had risen unexpectedly quickly.

At the same time, a political majority agreed on an emergency plan that puts large data centers at the back of the queue because the grid has no room for more major projects. Critical societal functions will receive priority. Energinet had not responded to Ritzau’s questions about whether the order would affect its new method or the political process.

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objectivity