Ningxia: Implementation Guidelines for Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation Development and Management Released
On March 17, the Development and Reform Commission of Ningxia Autonomous Region issued a notice seeking public feedback on the draft Implementation Guidelines for the Development and Management of Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation in Ningxia Autonomous Region. This set of guidelines applies to distributed photovoltaic projects within the administrative region of Ningxia. The development of distributed photovoltaics will primarily occur on the user side, connecting to the distribution network, and will generally be balanced within the distribution system.
For distributed photovoltaic projects that were filed before the release of the National Energy Administration’s Management Measures for the Development and Construction of Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation and are expected to be operational by May 1, 2025, the existing policies will continue to apply.
Call for Feedback: The notice from the Development and Reform Commission includes a request for comments on the draft guidelines, with a deadline for feedback set for March 20. Responses should be sent to nengyuan_nx@126.com. Contact persons for inquiries are Yang Yang at 0951-6038090 and Yu Jafan at 0951-8301962.
Chapter 1: General Principles
Article 1: These guidelines are established to implement the requirements of the Management Measures for the Development and Construction of Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation, promote the high-quality development of distributed photovoltaic power generation in the region, and assist in the construction of a new power system.
Article 2: These guidelines apply to distributed photovoltaic power generation projects within the administrative region of Ningxia Autonomous Region.
Article 3: The guidelines encourage various power users, investment enterprises, specialized energy service companies, and individuals to invest in and develop distributed photovoltaic projects in accordance with legal provisions.
Article 4: Distributed photovoltaic projects are categorized into four types: residential projects for individuals, non-residential projects for organizations, general commercial projects, and large commercial projects. Residential projects are defined as those developed by individuals using their own residences, with a connection voltage not exceeding 380 volts. Non-residential projects can utilize residential properties with a connection voltage not exceeding 10 kilovolts and a total installed capacity of no more than 6 megawatts. General commercial projects are those built on government, educational, medical, cultural, and industrial properties, with similar voltage and capacity limits. Large commercial projects can connect with the grid at voltages of 35 kilovolts with capacities up to 20 megawatts or at 110 kilovolts with capacities up to 50 megawatts.
Article 5: The access modes for distributed photovoltaic generation include full-grid access, complete self-consumption, and self-consumption with surplus electricity fed into the grid. Residential and non-residential projects can choose any of these modes, while general commercial projects can opt for full self-consumption or self-consumption with surplus electricity. Large commercial projects are generally expected to choose full self-consumption, with an option for self-consumption with surplus electricity once the Ningxia electricity spot market is operational.
Chapter 2: Industry Management
Article 6: The regional energy authority is responsible for overseeing the development and operation of distributed photovoltaic power generation within the region, coordinating it with national energy and renewable energy development plans.
Article 7: The energy authority will collaborate with local energy departments and power companies to assess the capacity for integrating distributed photovoltaic projects into the grid, ensuring that the development is sustainable and meets local energy needs.
Article 8: Local energy authorities must create a favorable business environment and ensure that the development of distributed photovoltaic power respects the rights of property owners and allows equal participation from all qualified investment entities.
Chapter 3: Filing Management
Article 12: The development of distributed photovoltaic projects must be registered. The local energy authority will oversee this registration process.
Article 13: The principle of “whoever invests, whoever registers” will determine the registering entity for distributed photovoltaic projects. Individuals may choose to register through a power company or independently, while organizations must register through their investment entity.
Article 14: Registration must include key project details such as project name, investment entity, construction location, project type, scale, and access mode.
Chapter 4: Construction Management
Article 21: The investment entity for each distributed photovoltaic project must ensure proper site selection and submit a grid connection application to the power company before commencing construction.
Article 22: Upon receiving a connection request, the power company must respond within two working days, providing either an acceptance notice or reasons for rejection.
Chapter 5: Grid Connection
Article 28: Power companies must establish differentiated access protocols for various types of distributed photovoltaic projects, optimizing processes and providing one-stop services.
Article 29: Power companies are prohibited from unjustifiably rejecting access applications or delaying the connection process.
Chapter 6: Operational Management
Article 38: The investment entity is responsible for the safety and operational management of distributed photovoltaic projects, adhering to national safety regulations.
Article 39: Power companies must enhance planning and operational methods for active distribution networks, ensuring that distributed photovoltaic systems meet required performance standards.
Chapter 7: Supplementary Provisions
Article 47: Local energy authorities may implement registration management for off-grid distributed photovoltaic systems based on local circumstances.
Article 48: These guidelines will take effect upon publication and will be adjusted as needed to align with national laws and regulations.
Article 49: The Development and Reform Commission of the Autonomous Region is responsible for interpreting these guidelines.
