What is ALoMCP?
Following the investigation into 9 August 2019 power outage, approximately 550MW of embedded generation was disconnected. In some cases, due to the expected operation of the rate of change of frequency protection system but in other cases because some generators may be operating incorrect protection settings.
To avoid future outages, the Accelerated Loss of Mains Change Programme (ALoMCP) was initiated to amend the loss of mains (LoM) settings on generation in GB. In summary these are to remove vector shift (VS) as an allowable LoM technique, and to change any rate of frequency protection (RoCoF) settings to new, less sensitive values.
Who Needs to Change?
It is a requirement of the Distribution Code (and its subordinate document EREC G59) that all owners of generation installed prior to February 2018 comply with new setting requirements for all interface protection in accordance with EREC G59 (which can be downloaded from here.) Owners of generation have a requirement to comply with the modified interface protection requirements in the revised EREC G59 and have until 31 August 2022 to do so. After that date owners who have not made the change may be the subject of an enforcement programme.
The new requirements apply to any interface protection included in the control systems of generating units, inverters etc. The appropriate interface protection not only prevents unwanted islanding, blackouts and loss of revenue, but also ensures that your generation facility is compliant with industry standards and regulations.
How Can You Change?
To support the early adoption of these changes, network licensees have set up a funding programme, which is related to the degree of work involved in making the changes.
Biosus Energy can help you with every step of the process – carrying out site survey to identify changes required, helping with online application, supplying interface protection devices, carrying out devices commissioning and testing.