Briefly about the requirement
NVE now requires that licence applications for small power plants (i.e. power plants with an installed capacity of up to 10 MW) must include documentation that the plant can be connected to the grid. In short, the requirement means that documentation must be submitted showing that the project has undergone a maturity assessment by the grid company and that the grid connection has been assessed as operationally sound at all grid levels. NVE’s requirements are further elaborated here.
The background to the requirement
The background to the requirement is that NVE’s queue for processing licences for small power plants is long. NVE has previously processed licence applications for small power plants without clarifying all aspects of the grid connection. The new requirement for clarification of grid connection has been introduced to reduce the case processing queue, so that NVE can prioritise the licensing of those projects that have the greatest chance of being realised within a short period of time.
Practical consequences for developers of small power plants
Developers of new small hydropower plants must ensure that they obtain sufficient documentation on grid connection before the licence application is submitted to NVE. Applications that are already in the queue at NVE can keep their place in the queue by obtaining the necessary documentation within a specified deadline.
The requirement does not apply to larger hydropower plants (over 10 MW). Licence applications for such power plants will be considered by NVE even if there is no documentation that the plant can be connected to the power grid.
Questions about licence processing of hydropower?
Hjort AS has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the licensing process for both small and large hydropower plants. We assist at all stages of the process.
