Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1447Show full title

Article 3 Scope of application

1. The requirements of this Regulation shall apply to:

(a) HVDC systems connecting synchronous areas or control areas, including back-to-back schemes;

(b) HVDC systems connecting power park modules to a transmission network or a distribution network, pursuant to paragraph 2;

(c) embedded HVDC systems within one control area and connected to the transmission network; and

(d) embedded HVDC systems within one control area and connected to the distribution network when a cross-border impact is demonstrated by the relevant transmission system operator (TSO). The relevant TSO shall consider the long-term development of the network in this assessment.

2. Relevant system operators, in coordination with relevant TSOs, shall propose to competent regulatory authorities the application of this Regulation for DC-connected power park modules with a single connection point to a transmission network or distribution network which is not part of a synchronous area for approval in accordance with Article 5. All other power park modules which are AC-collected but are DC-connected to a synchronous area are considered DC-connected power park modules and fall within the scope of this Regulation.

3. Articles 55 to 59, 69 to 74 and 84 shall not apply to HVDC systems within one control area referred to in points (c) and (d) of paragraph 1 where:

(a) the HVDC system has at least one HVDC converter station owned by the relevant TSO;

(b) the HVDC system is owned by an entity which exercises control over the relevant TSO;

(c) the HVDC system is owned by an entity directly or indirectly controlled by an entity which also exercises control over the relevant TSO.

4. The connection requirements for HVDC systems provided for in Title II shall apply at the AC connection points of such systems, except the requirements provided for in Article 29(4) and (5) and Article 31(5), which can apply at other connection points, and Article 19(1) which may apply at the terminals of the HVDC converter station.

5. The connection requirements for DC-connected power park modules and remote-end HVDC converter stations provided for in Title III shall apply at the HVDC interface point of such systems, except the requirements provided for in Article 39(1)(a) and Article 47(2), which apply at the connection point in the synchronous area to which frequency response is being provided.

6. The relevant system operator shall refuse to allow the connection of a new HVDC system or DC-connected power park module which does not comply with the requirements set out in this Regulation and which is not covered by a derogation granted by the regulatory authority, or other authority where applicable in a Member State pursuant to Title VII. The relevant system operator shall communicate such refusal, by means of a reasoned statement in writing, to the HVDC system owner or DC-connected power park module owner and, unless specified otherwise by the regulatory authority, to the regulatory authority.

7. This Regulation shall not apply to:

(a) HVDC systems whose connection point is below 110 kV unless a cross-border impact is demonstrated by the relevant TSO. The relevant TSO shall consider the long-term development of the network in this assessment;

(b) HVDC systems or DC-connected power park modules connected to the transmission system and distribution systems or to parts of the transmission system, or distribution systems, of islands of Member States of which the systems are not operated synchronously with either the Continental Europe, Great Britain, Nordic, Ireland and Northern Ireland or Baltic synchronous area.