Chapter 2: Connecting Medium Scale Distributed Generation to the Grid
2.1 Connection Process
The connection process involves several key steps from application to final commissioning. The detailed flowchart illustrates the complete process including:
- Application submission with required technical specifications
- Engineering review and system impact study
- Letter of Intent with capacity allocation
- Network survey and site visit with stakeholders
- Connection Agreement signing
- Installation completion within 12 months
- Testing and commissioning
Key Requirements:
- Duly-filled MSDG Application Form to be deposited at SSDG-MSDG Unit, CEB Curepipe
- Processing fee to be settled at Cash Office
- Engineering Review/System Impact Study may be required
- Network reconstruction costs (if applicable) to be borne by applicant
- Certificate of Installation to be submitted upon completion
2.2 Connection Capacity
The maximum capacity of MSDG that can be connected to a Medium Voltage (MV) feeder is termed the connection capacity of that feeder. Different feeders have different connection capacities depending on the electrical characteristics of the conductor used, the magnitude and temporal variation of the feeder loading. Furthermore, the connection capacity also depends strongly on the proposed location of the connection of the MSDG to the MV feeder. In general, the connection capacity is larger near the CEB 66 kV-to-22 kV substation compared to the far-end of the feeder.
Feasibility Study
The feasibility to connect any MSDG to CEB 22 kV distribution network will need to be confirmed by an interconnection impact study which will be conducted by the CEB on a case-to-case basis. In addition, the possibility of interconnecting any MSDG facility with variable power output shall be subject to the maximum amount of variable renewable energy-based power generation that can be accommodated in the CEB's power system while maintaining the system's stability and security.
Network Modifications
If any works in the power distribution network are necessary, the CEB will determine what network modifications (reinforcements or extensions) are required, if any, to connect the MSDG by conducting the necessary studies. The description of the required network modifications shall be communicated to the applicant for connection, detailing who will be the party (CEB or the applicant for connection) responsible for execution of each of the works and who will be the party (CEB or applicant for connection) responsible for payment of each of the works.
Capacity Allocation Rules
Capacity allocation in the feeders shall be done according to the following rules:
- Applications shall be processed strictly according to the date/time of the settlement of the application processing fees.
- Authorized applications shall be allocated to the feeder subject to a favorable interconnection impact study.
- Allocated capacity shall remain valid for the period of one (1) year, from the date the Connection Agreement is issued, where the applicant shall develop the project.
- Failing to finalize the MSDG installation and to submit the Certificate of Installation within the period of one year, from the date the Connection Agreement is issued, shall result in the automatic cancellation of the authorization and the capacity shall be freed for other applicants.
Note: CEB shall process applications based on the principle of "first in first out". Requests will be processed in this priority order, and in each interconnection study all approved precedents requests will be considered as in service. Requests with positive interconnection study outcomes shall be considered.
The reference point will be when the "processing fee" has been settled.