Grid-Forming Capabilities and Interconnection Practices
The ERCOT IBRWG meeting covers updates regarding the integration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and energy storage resources (ESRs) into the grid, with a focus on advancing grid-forming capabilities and interconnection practices. Key topics include the upcoming mandatory adoption of grid-forming capabilities for ESRs, reflecting global trends in energy systems, and the ongoing updates to NERC standards and IEEE 2800 interconnection requirements. Together, these updates underscore the growing importance of grid-forming technologies, system reliability, and the need for continuous collaboration among industry stakeholders to ensure a stable, sustainable energy future.
ERCOT IBRWG Meeting Milestones
Grid-forming capability will be mandatory for all energy storage systems in the upcoming interconnection study cycle as part of an update to the Business Practice Manual (January 2025). This move aligns with global trends, particularly in ERCOT and National Grid, both of which are advancing similar standards.
- As an effort to comply with FERC 901 directives, NERC has met Milestone 2 (This milestone establishes new and revised Standards to address IBR performance during disturbances – commonly referred to as “ride-through”) by submitting updates to key standards (PRC 24, PRC 002, PRC 2230-02) to FERC.
- Milestone 3, due in November 2025, will focus on continued industry collaboration and refinement of these standards.
- New Advanced Grid Support Inverter-Based Energy Storage Resources (AGS-ESR) Requirements: New AGS requirements for ESRs will be implemented for projects with SGIA execution dates on or after April 1, 2025. These include model quality tests to verify grid support capabilities. ESRs may need to comply with AGS requirements if amendments to projects (e.g., capacity changes) trigger a new interconnection study. These changes are pending legal clarification.
- Draft AGS requirements will be reviewed in upcoming workshops, and stakeholder feedback will inform future revisions.
Key Action Items and Future Plans
Workshops & Technical Sessions: Ongoing workshops, particularly those scheduled for January 2025, will be critical in addressing Milestone 3 and refining grid-forming and AGS requirements.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Continued engagement with industry working groups will be necessary to finalize turbine manufacturer consistency, AGS requirements, and reclosing practices.
Regulatory & Procedural Updates: The DWG manual will be updated to reflect new AGS model quality tests, and ongoing feedback will shape final timelines and procedural guidelines for implementation.
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