G99 (Engineering Recommendation G99)

Overview
G99 is a UK Engineering Recommendation published by the Energy Networks
Association that specifies the technical requirements for connecting electricity generation
equipment to the public distribution network. It applies to generators operating in parallel
with the grid, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage systems
(BESS), wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) units, and other distributed
energy resources (DERs).

G99 replaced the older G59 standard in 2019 and is now the primary engineering standard
governing medium and large distributed generation connections in Great Britain. It ensures
that generation systems operate safely, maintain power quality, protect utility personnel and
equipment, and do not adversely affect the stability or reliability of the electricity network.
Atlantic Renew… +1

Why is G99 Required?

Whenever electricity is exported to the public grid, it can affect:
Network voltage levels.
System frequency.
Fault current levels.
Protection coordination.
Power quality.
Grid stability.

G99 ensures that all generating equipment meets common technical standards before
being connected to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) network. The DNO assesses
whether the local network has sufficient capacity and whether any upgrades or export
limitations are required. MT… +1

When is G99 Required?

G99 generally applies when the generating equipment exceeds 16 A per phase, which is
approximately:
3.68 kW on a single-phase supply.
11.04 kW on a three-phase supply.

Typical systems requiring G99 include:

 Large domestic solar PV systems.
Commercial and industrial solar installations.
Battery energy storage systems with larger inverter ratings.
Wind turbines.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants.
Diesel generators operating in parallel with the grid.
Microgrids and hybrid renewable energy systems.

Smaller installations below this threshold generally fall under the simpler G98 process,
which usually allows installation followed by notification to the DNO. G99 normally
requires DNO approval before commissioning. Spectrum Ener… +1

Main Objectives of G99

Ensure safe connection of distributed generation.
Protect utility personnel and electrical equipment.
Maintain voltage and frequency within acceptable limits.
Prevent unintentional islanding.
Maintain power quality.
Coordinate protection systems.
Ensure reliable operation of the distribution network.
Facilitate integration of renewable energy sources.

Key Technical Requirements

1. Voltage Protection
The generator must disconnect if network voltage exceeds or falls below specified limits.

2. Frequency Protection
The system must disconnect if grid frequency moves outside the permitted operating
range.

3. Loss of Mains (LoM) Protection

The generator must detect when the utility supply has been lost and disconnect
automatically to prevent islanding, where part of the network remains energized
unintentionally.

4. Fault Ride-Through (FRT)

Certain generators must remain connected during short-duration network disturbances to
support grid stability instead of disconnecting immediately.

5. Reactive Power Control

Generators may be required to provide reactive power support for voltage regulation.

6. Active Power Control

The DNO may specify export limits or require the generator to reduce active power output
under certain operating conditions.

7. Power Quality
The installation must comply with limits for:
Voltage fluctuations.
Flicker.
Harmonic distortion.
DC current injection.
Voltage imbalance.

8. Protection Coordination
Protection devices such as relays and circuit breakers must coordinate correctly with the
DNO's protection systems.

G99 Application Process

Step 1 – System Design
The installer designs the generation system, including:
Inverter selection.
Generator capacity.
Protection equipment.
Single-line diagram.
Site layout.

Step 2 – Application Submission

A G99 application is submitted to the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), including:
Equipment specifications.
Inverter certificates.
Single-line diagrams.
Protection settings.
 Export capacity.
Site information.

Step 3 – DNO Assessment

The DNO evaluates:
Available network capacity.
Voltage rise.
Fault levels.
Protection coordination.
Network reinforcement requirements.

Step 4 – Connection Offer

The DNO issues one of the following:
Approval.
Approval with export limitations.
Requirement for network reinforcement.
Rejection (rare if technical issues cannot be resolved).

Step 5 – Installation
The system is installed according to the approved design.

Step 6 – Commissioning and Testing

Protection systems and inverter settings are tested to confirm compliance with G99.

Step 7 – Final Connection

Following successful commissioning, the generator is permitted to operate in parallel with
the electricity network. MT… +1

Advantages (Pros)
Ensures safe and reliable grid operation.
Supports large-scale integration of renewable energy.
Standardizes connection requirements across Great Britain.
Protects utility equipment and personnel.
Reduces the risk of network instability.
Enables export of surplus electricity to the grid.
Encourages the adoption of smart inverters and advanced grid-support functions.
Supports future smart grid development.
Disadvantages (Cons)
Approval process can add several weeks or months to a project.
Connection costs may increase if network reinforcement is required.
Export capacity may be restricted by the DNO.
Requires detailed engineering documentation.
Additional protection equipment may be needed.
Larger systems often require commissioning and witness testing.
The application process can be complex for first-time applicants.

G98 vs. G99

Feature G98 G99

Purpose Small-scale generation Medium and large generation

Maximum capacity Up to 16 A per phase (≈3.68 Above 16 A per phase

kW single-phase)

DNO approval Usually notify after installation Approval required before

connection (for most systems)

Application complexity Simple Detailed engineering assessment

Protection Basic Comprehensive

requirements

Network studies Usually not required Often required

Typical applications Small domestic solar PV Commercial solar, batteries, wind,

CHP

Applications
G99 is commonly required for:
Commercial solar PV installations.
Large residential solar systems.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Wind turbine projects.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants.
 Industrial standby generators operating in parallel with the grid.
Microgrids.
Community energy projects.
Utility-scale renewable energy installations.

Summary
G99 is the principal UK engineering standard governing the connection of medium and
large distributed generation systems to the electricity distribution network. It establishes
the technical requirements for protection, power quality, voltage and frequency control, and
safe operation to ensure that distributed generators do not compromise the reliability or
safety of the grid. While the G99 process is more detailed than the simpler G98 route, it
enables the secure integration of larger renewable energy systems, battery storage, and
other distributed energy resources into Great Britain's evolving low-carbon electricity
network.