The third liberalization package introduced network codes to be developed by the European Commission, ACER, and the ENTSOs in order to implement the EU target model for the internal electricity market. There are three types of network codes, i.e. market codes, system operation codes and grid connection codes.

These codes have been developed and we are now in the process of implementing them. During this training we provide a platform for the community of experts to share experiences with the implementation of the codes, while also providing an opportunity to the community of non-experts to get up to speed with these rules that affect all stakeholders. Finally, we did not finish the implementation of the network codes yet but at the same time, the Clean Energy Package entered into force. During the course we point out some provisions of the Clean Energy Package that affect the existing network codes and briefly highlight the areas which have been identified for a ‘second generation’ of electricity network codes.

In 2016, FSR and ENTSO-E initiated this training on the EU Electricity Network Codes. In 2017, that collaboration was extended to the European Commission and ACER. The first edition of this training included 140+ senior professionals from all over Europe. As part of the course activities, the participants have contributed to the first EU electricity network codes Report published by FSR in February 2018.

The second edition of this training included again 166 participants from 28 different countries. The updated EU electricity network codes Technical Report (2019 ed.) is now available online.

In 2019, the training continues. The third edition will include a new learning week on the role of data.

Welcome to the course
Live class: 22 September 2020 – 12-1pm CEST 
Week 1: How to organize wholesale trade for electricity? Who gets the rights to trade across borders?23 September – 29 September 2020 
Live class: 29 September 2020 – 12-1pm CEST 
Topics: Nominated Electricity Market Operators, Market Coupling Operator Function, EUPHEMIA, XBID, Joint Allocation Office, Financial Transmission Rights
Week 2: How do you calculate border trade constraints?
Live class: 6 October – 12-1pm CEST 
Topics: Bidding Zones, Flow-based Market Coupling, Capacity Calculation Regions, Common Grid Model, Remaining Available Margin
Week 3: Who is responsible to balance the system?
30 September – 6 October 2020 
Live class: 6 October – 12-1pm CEST 
Topics: Balance Responsible Party, Balancing Service Provider, Frequency Containment Reserves, Frequency Restoration Reserves, Replacement Reserves, Gate Closure Time, Imbalance Netting, Load-Frequency Control Area, European platforms
Week 4: How to organize system operation and connection requirements?
14 October – 20 October 2020 
Live class: 20 October – 12-1pm CEST 
Topics: Regional Coordination Centre, Critical Grid Situation, Power-Generating Modules, Power Park Module, Rate of Change of Frequency, Significant Grid User
Week 5: Legal dimension of the codes 
21 October – 27 October 2020
Live class: 27 October – 12-1pm CEST
Week 6: Buffer week to work on Mastery Challenges
28 October – 9 November 2020

Week 7: Mastery Challenges

Mastery Challenge on digital data and data exchange
Live expert panel: 10 November 2020 – 12-1pm CEST

Mastery Challenge on legal issues
Live expert panel: 12 November 2020 – 12-1pm CEST

Week 8: Mastery Challenges
Mastery Challenge on bidding zones
Live expert panel: 17 November 2020 – 12-1pm CEST

Mastery Challenge on integration of DER and flexibility
Live expert panel: 19 November 2020 – 12-1pm CEST

The course is given in English and developed for: 

• Broad target group of Adult learners 

• Network Codes experts and beginners 
• Everyone affected by the Network Codes in Europe, including: TSOs, NRAs, Governments, European Associations, Utilities, New Energy players, Stakeholders. 

The participants can take the course on 3 different levels: 

• 1) Investigator: Learn to speak the language of the network codes and to understand their content) 
• 2) Advocate: Learn to discuss and debate the network codes with colleagues and field specialists 

• 3) Master: Learn to discuss, analyse and attempt to solve/improve a European level real life case  

The amount of time required to take this course depends on the aimed course level as well as the level of expertise in the subject prior to joining the course. For example: 

• Novice to Investigator: 4-6 hours/week 
• Novice to Advocate: 6-8 hours/week 
• Novice to Master: 8-10 hours/week 
• Expert (Advocate level understanding of the topic) to Master: 5 hours/week 

At the end of the course, the participants can earn a Certificate of Attendance, a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Excellence, depending of their performance and engagement throughout the course.

• General fee: 1000 €
• Students (with certificate of current studies): 400 €
• Two free seats for FSR Energy Major Donors
• One free seat for FSR Energy Associate Donors

Paid registration fee is non-refundable. However, registrant substitution may be made up to 20 days before the start date of the course.