Overall challenges and recommendations concerning the integration of small scale hydro in MV distribution networks

Norwegian distribution companies are currently experiencing that the connection of small hydropower plants to distribution networks is causing problems due to limited transfer capacity in the existing grids and violation of voltage quality threshold values. The situation is expected to escalate in the future when the number of new units will increase considerably due to favourable incentives for investing in renewable generation. This paper discusses the overall challenges and network solutions to support new DG connections.