North Macedonia’s DSO launches interactive map of free capacity for connecting solar power plants

North Macedonia’s distribution system operator Elektrodistribucija is probably the first in the Western Balkan region and beyond to produce an interactive map of free capacity for connecting solar power plants to the distribution grid.

The interest among households, firms and investors all over the world in installing photovoltaic plants to become prosumers or suppliers is growing every day.

Obtaining a grid connection from distribution system operators (DSOs) is a key step. It is a novelty for both sides, so there is plenty of room to accelerate and simplify the procedure.

Saltirovski: When we decided to make an interactive map, there was no such map in any country in the region and beyond

Sasho Saltirovski, managing director of Elektrodistribucija DOOEL, part of EVN Group, told Balkan Green Energy News that at the time when the firm decided to make an interactive map, there was no such tool in any country in the region and beyond.

It was an even greater motive for the team to provide information to all users of the power distribution system on how to connect to the distribution network, in the simplest and most interactive way possible.

The goal, in Saltirovski’s words, was to inform everyone interested quickly and for free. Unnecessary administrative steps such as submitting requests to the DSO require a lot of Elektrodistribucija’s time and effort, too, he explained.

Grid connections were approved for PV plants with a combined capacity of 600 MW

Great interest among households, firms and investors is demonstrated by the fact that Elektrodistribucija has connected PV facilities with a total capacity of 600 MW over the last few years, out of which prosumers operate 230 MW, and producers own 370 MW. Moreover, it issued grid connection approvals for another 600 MW in photovoltaics.

According to Saltirovski, the procedure was also initiated for solar power plants of a few thousand megawatts in total.

On the other hand, the maximum electricity consumption at the distribution level in the country is about 700 MW, during summer, when the production of PV facilities is the highest, the CEO pointed out. It opens up technical issues related to the reliability of transmission and distribution systems, he added.

The main goal of the interactive map is to provide investors with signals on available locations in real time

It also means that the North Macedonian DSO’s remaining capacity for the integration of solar power plants is almost used up.

The interactive map is intended to be a snapshot of the currently available capacity in the distribution system as well the capacity for which potential producers have initiated connection procedures.

“The main purpose of the interactive map is to give potential investors the signals on locations in real time. It prevents unnecessary expenses for the purchase of land and starting the procedure of designing PV plants that won’t be able to be connected to the power distribution grid,” Saltirovski said.

Digitalization and data transparency will reduce administrative tasks in Elektrodistribucija

Digitalization and data transparency will also reduce the administrative work for the employees who communicate with potential investors, according to the DSO.

In Saltirovski words, it is another benefit for investors, because the same employees can then accelerate the installation of connections. Existing and potential investors consider it to be a very positive step, he added.

Elektrodistribucija has a team responsible for digital solutions based on GIS technology, which the map is based on. A combination of geographic functionalities and technical data produced a very satisfying final result, Saltirovski asserted.

Prosumers are connected in less than a month

The time it takes for new electricity producers to connect to the Elektrodistribucija’s distribution network depends on several factors. If it is a prosumer, implying an existing connection and necessary technical criteria, there is only the administrative procedure. It takes no longer than 30 days, and often much less.

If it is a greenfield investment, connection time depends on the required grid upgrade. Saltirovski said power producers on the distribution grid are most often outside urban areas, at locations without energy infrastructure.

When the grid must be upgraded, connection time is between several months and several years

That’s why in most cases it is necessary to build several kilometers of medium voltage network and a substation or upgrade existing ones.

In such situations, connection time is between several months and several years, depending on how long it takes to purchase the equipment and obtain all permits, the CEO revealed.

It includes project design, paperwork and, the most complex part, solving property issues, Saltirovski stressed.