GC0184: Increasing Reactive Power Requirements for PPMs when Operating below Maximum Active Power
What is being proposed
This modification proposal is to increase the minimum reactive power requirements for full converter technology connected Power Park Modules when they are operating below their maximum active power output.
Current status
13/11/2025: The Proposal was raised on 12 November 2025 and was presented at the November Grid Code Review Panel meeting. The Panel did not agree that the Proposal had a clear defect, so the Proposer is considering next steps.
Details
Timeline
Analysis
NESO proposes increasing minimum reactive power requirements for full converter technology Power Park Modules operating below maximum active power output through Grid Code modification GC0184. The Grid Code Review Panel rejected the proposal on 13 November 2025, stating it did not identify a clear defect. The proposer is considering next steps.
Why it matters
This represents NESO attempting to shift more voltage support costs to generators rather than pricing reactive power services properly. The Panel's rejection suggests the case for mandatory higher requirements was weak — reactive power should be procured through markets, not mandated through technical codes.
Key facts
- •Proposal raised 12 November 2025
- •Grid Code Review Panel rejected proposal 13 November 2025
- •Targets full converter technology Power Park Modules
- •Low impact assessment for suppliers, generators and aggregators