In April 2021, SEPS and MAVIR, the TSOs for Slovakia and Hungary, commissioned three new 400 kV interconnectors. This restarted RES connecting to the Slovak power system.
An online platform was established to publish available network and flexibility capacity, as well as the rules for allocating this capacity to SOs. These rules and calculation methodologies, approved by National Regulatory Authority, have evolved into their current form.
SEPS currently calculates both capacities. Network capacity is allocated to the three DSOs and TSO based on the results of a network study. The network study is updated at least once every three years. Flexibility capacity is calculated for the entire system with rules defining how and when SOs can request additional flexibility capacity from the ‘pool’. Flexibility capacity, representing capacity for connecting RES and not to be mistaken for flexible connection, is reassessed every year.
The current system has its limitations. It is practically impossible to connect large-scale RES generation. All of the published capacity is reserved by smaller applications at DSO level. SEPS is preparing to roll out new network capacities which aim to increase transparency and align with European standards. The new approach of "hosting capacities" will substitute the existing "Network limit capacity".
The DSOs "Východoslovenská distribučná, a.s. - VSD" and "Západoslovenská distribučná, a.s - ZSD" publish indicative information on available connection capacity through their respective online connection capacity maps.
The information are provided for the VSD distribution area and the ZSD distribution area, and cover MV and LV voltage levels. The maps show indicative available capacity for the connection of generation and consumption. Where no available capacity is currently shown in a given area, this information is also displayed. The published information is intended to support transparency for customers and investors before submitting a connection request. The maps are publicly accessible and provided as interactive web maps. The data are updated quarterly.
The published values are indicative and do not replace the assessment of a complete connection request. Available capacity is confirmed only after VSD and ZSD assess a complete connection request. Flexible connection may be considered only in selected substation areas where capacity reinforcement is planned. In such cases, generation may be connected with temporarily limited output until the planned reinforcement of the relevant substation is completed.