Challenges of connecting distributed generation facilities to grids in Russia: analysis of other jurisdictions

The paper compares the connection of distributed generation facilities to grids rated at up to 35 kV in Russia and in Germany. Notably, whilst distributed generation (DG) is used prolifically in Russia, there is still no uniform terminology nor legal regulation with regard to connecting DG units to the existing distribution grids. The paper substantiates the need for better legal regulation of this matter in Russia; other jurisdictions, e.g., Germany, can provide a good reference. Thus, analysis of the German legislation shows that is has a complex hierarchical system of regulatory frameworks that address the connection of DG facilities to grids, including international acts, EU directives, federal laws, by-laws, codes, standards, technical regulations, etc. They address the issue from the organizational and legal perspective alike. The paper concludes with proposals on optimizing DG connection to grids rated at up to 35 kV in Russia.