Renewables
Finland introduces grid-forming rules for wind and solar
Fingrid has issued new technical mandates requiring large wind and solar installations in weaker grid zones to incorporate grid-forming capabilities.
Key points
- Fingrid updated its VJV2024 grid code to target type D power plants in areas with low short-circuit ratios.
- Developers can select options including battery storage, static synchronous compensators, or synchronous machines.
- Equipment must be located within a close electrical radius and active when plants operate at half capacity or higher.
What happened
According to pv magazine, Finnish transmission system operator Fingrid has introduced updated technical mandates for large renewable energy installations. Released under the VJV2024 grid code, the rules apply to type D power plants connecting to network sectors where the equivalent short-circuit ratio falls below 1.0. Existing facilities and projects holding prior connection agreements are exempt from the policy.
Fingrid noted that wind developments heavily cluster in western regions, where low synchronous generation levels threaten network stability. Standard grid-following inverters in these weak zones can trigger voltage oscillations and fault risks. To comply, project developers must integrate stabilization technology such as batteries, energy-storage-equipped static synchronous compensators, or synchronous machines.
What comes next
Sizing requirements scale according to the weakness of the connection point. The support units must remain operational whenever the primary plant operates at or above half of its rated output. Furthermore, the stabilization equipment must sit within a 60-kilometre electrical distance from the generating facility to prevent network isolation during faults. Fingrid scheduled an informational webinar regarding the standards, while broader Nordic and international frameworks continue to examine similar grid integration policies.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
52.9% of electricity in Finland was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
