Energynautics supported the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in preparing the comprehensive report “Grid Codes for Renewable Powered Systems”. This project provides an update to the highly influential 2016 guide “Scaling up Variable Renewable Power: The Role of Grid Codes”, which was developed by the same team.

Grid Code Development in a Transforming Energy Landscape

The global energy landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the growth of renewables. As clean energy technologies become the most cost-effective generation resources, they are rapidly replacing conventional synchronous generators. Unlike traditional power plants, VREs are variable, location-constrained, and, crucially, inverter-based resources (IBRs).

While this shift poses new operational challenges, it also unlocks advanced capabilities. Today, VREs are increasingly capable of taking over duties from conventional generation. For instance, VRE participate in new ancillary services such as Fast Frequency Response (FFR). Technological innovations such as grid-forming inverters and a large scale battery energy storage rollout are complemented by transformations in the regulatory and economic frameworks, with market-based ancillary service approaches often favored over strict grid code requirements.

Guidance for Global Stakeholders

The new IRENA report provides practical guidance to policy makers, regulators and other stakeholders involved in designing grid connection codes, in particular aiming to support actors in developing countries. It helps them to securely interconnect new technologies, collaborate on grid code compliance, and establish grid connection requirements tailored to country and system context.

The full report is available for download on the IRENA website: Grid Codes for Renewable Powered Systems