Regional interconnectors represent key enablers for the global energy transition and energy security. Interconnectors allow renewable resources to provide power across borders, ensuring electricity is more affordable. Whilst there are various successful examples of regional interconnections, challenges still persist in terms of their efficient operation.

One such challenge is the harmonisation of technical specifications across regional boundaries. Therefore, following the release of RETA knowledge products by the International Energy Agency and the World Bank, this third report in the series focuses on the need for – and challenges to – regional grid code harmonisation.

The report highlights the status of interconnections and the level of integration and harmonisation efforts around the globe, with a view to informing regional entities on best practices concerning technical parameters (including in the areas of grid planning, operation and connection) as well as market guidelines (on congestion management, capacity allocation and energy balancing).

IRENA is a permanent steering member of the Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA) programme, through which the Agency works with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Bank to facilitate knowledge-sharing and peer-to-peer learning between regulators.

Report by the International Renewable Energy Agency