Background
A well-functioning and interconnected internal energy market is important to secure the supply of electricity and ensure fair competition. Disruptions in the operation of the transmission grid should be avoided wherever possible and, if they occur, they should be rectified quickly. Grid operators have a duty to have plans in place to restore the grid if disruptions occur. This obligation is laid down in Regulation 2017/2196/EU establishing a network code on the state of emergency and restoration of the transmission system.
Due to the rapid changes in the electricity supply system, particularly with regard to the type of electricity generation, grid operators face major challenges when updating the Network Restoration Plans ("NWAP"). The main challenge is to coordinate flexibly controllable and centralized generation with decentralized and renewable plants. In view of these challenges, the German grid operators intend to comprehensively examine the reconstruction of the grid in connection with the energy transition and the decision to phase out nuclear energy and coal. To this end, they have already commissioned a study from the consulting firm Consentec in 2021 to clarify the need for adaptation and the legal and regulatory framework for updating the NWAP.