What is the regulatory approach to microgrids?

In addition, the regulatory approach towards microgrids depends on EU Member States granting energy communities the right to manage part of the distribution network, which now depends on the discretion of the Member States.

Can a microgrid be regulated as a CDS?

If the DSO who manages part of the larger distribution network is involved in the microgrid, the DSO's activities qualify as the primary commercial activity, and thus cannot qualify as a CEC. In such a case, the FMM could be regulated as a CDS.

Are microgrids legal in the EU?

In the EU, various Member States (MS) have implemented microgrids to test the system, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece. 1 However, EU law lacks a clear legal definition and regulation of microgrids.

Why are regulatory and policy frameworks important for microgrids?

Regulatory and policy frameworks are crucial in facilitating the growth and acceptance of microgrids. However, several challenges related to these frameworks need to be addressed. One of the primary issues is the variation in regulations that govern microgrids across different countries and states.

What is a campus microgrid (CDs)?

The definition of the CDS aligns with the description of campus microgrids, which include the same sites as existing CDSs. Those microgrids are oftentimes managed by the local DSO, as economic or technical reasons make it more feasible to resort to a microgrid instead of extending the centralised electricity network to those sites.

Should microgrid users be incorporated into the legal framework?

Considering microgrid consumers as active customers who are allowed to manage their distribution system provides the first step to integrating microgrid users into the legal framework. However, the risks of combining the roles of consumer and investor in an electricity system must be considered.