krecotec supports manufacturers in the efficient pre-qualification and certification of grid-forming technologies in Germany

In the context of the energy transition, inverters play a central role in ensuring grid stability. Grid-forming units—such as battery storage systems or other inverter-based generation technologies—can regulate voltage and frequency in a manner similar to conventional synchronous generators and provide inertia. They are essential for system stability in grids with a high proportion of renewable energies.

Development of the regulatory framework for grid-forming technologies in Germany

With the publication of the guidance note “Technical Requirements for Grid-Forming Properties Including the Provision of Instantaneous Reserve” in July 2024, the Forum for Network Technology/Network Operation at VDE (VDE FNN) took a significant step toward advancing the energy transition: For the first time, Germany has harmonised and binding requirements for grid-forming units that contribute substantially to the stability and security of supply in electricity grids.

While the 2024 VDE FNN guidance note established the technical requirements for grid-forming customer installations, uniform regulations for testing and certification procedures were initially absent. This gap was addressed with the final Version 2.0 in May 2025. The updated VDE FNN guidance note on grid-forming properties now supplements these requirements with a detailed verification section that outlines the entire certification process—including measurement-based testing, simulative assessments, and verifications for grid-forming units (Type 1 and Type 2, including storage systems and controllable loads).

The guidance note establishes a binding foundation for the certification and market approval of grid-forming units in Germany and promotes the widespread deployment of these technologies, which are indispensable for the energy transition. It includes updates on asymmetrical inertia, damping, stability, and testing procedures, along with transitional provisions for existing installations.

Optimally leveraging the opportunities of the instantaneous reserve market

Successful proof of compliance qualifies generation units for participation in the market-based procurement of instantaneous reserve and entitles them to remuneration for the services provided. The new regulations give manufacturers certainty that their products meet all technical and legal requirements—from RoCoF withstand capability and damping to harmonics and protection functions.

Companies that invest early in grid-forming technologies gain a clear competitive advantage in a market where demand for instantaneous reserve is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

krecotec – Your partner for cost-efficient pre-qualification and the entire certification process

As experts in testing grid-forming technologies in Germany, we provide manufacturers with an efficient pre-qualification solution using our high-performance 5 MW+ grid simulator. This pre-testing can be flexibly tailored: We support testing directly at your facility, enabling on-site optimisation in advance. Subsequently, you can invite an accredited certification body to your test field to conduct on-site testing and, if applicable, issue certification directly. This approach allows potential weaknesses to be identified early. Our grid simulator replicates real-world grid conditions, including virtual island operations, synchronous operation, SCR values (from 1.0), and benchmark systems, to verify inertia, damping, voltage stability, and frequency response.

We also assist with required system simulations (EMT and RMS models) for model validation, parallel operation analysis, and stability studies. This enables you to accelerate the certification process, reduce costs, and transition seamlessly to final certification.

Our services include:

• Provision of the grid simulator

• Coordination of the testing process

• Support in validating your simulation models in Matlab/Simulink

• Assistance with pre-validations and prototype testing (e.g., for frequency steps, phase jumps, and O/UVRT)

Leverage our expertise and practical, solution-oriented services. We guide you efficiently through the entire process—from pre-qualification to final certification using our grid simulator. Seize the full potential of the market for grid-forming technologies!

Contact us: info@krecotec.com