IEEE Grid Interconnections Standard: How Will it Affect Wind Power?

In December 1998, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) began writing a standard for the interconnection of distributed resources with electric power systems. This standard will prescribe technical requirements for the interconnection of distributed resources that are connected to primary or secondary voltages in electric distribution systems. It is expected to play a significant role in facilitating a new, emerging market for small, distributed, primarily gas-fired electric generators, including new technologies such as fuel cells and micro-turbines. Once published, this new standard will be enforced for the interconnection of distributed wind poower applications, as well. The co-authors of this paper have been active with this standard from the beginning, focusing on issues most likely to affect interconnection of wind power. This paper describes the standard-writing process and highlights technical issues critical to wind power, with the intent of soliciting feedback from and encouraging broader participation by the wind industry.