ZEREZ is the central register for unit and component certificates of generating units of all voltage levels in Germany. It provides a central platform for collecting, storing and making available evidence of the electrical properties of generation units and components. ZEREZ is operated by FGW e.V., the Fördergesellschaft Windenergie und andere dezentrale Energien, which has been entrusted with this task since July 2024.
Purpose & advantages of ZEREZ
From February 1, 2025, the use of ZEREZ legally binding. The aim is to strengthen the safety and reliability of the energy supply by making grid connection procedures more efficient and transparent. This applies in particular to all units and components in accordance with the VDE technical connection rules (VDE-AR-N 4105, 4110 and 4120) for the entire Plant certificate. The most important advantages at a glance:
- Manufacturers can securely and securely Publish centrally.
- Certification bodies can Uncomplicated changes and the Duty of supervision perceive.
- Network operator receive fast and easy access to all necessary Certificate data.
The register entries facilitate the grid connection processas all relevant information such as performance values and parameters are provided via the unique ZEREZ ID. This saves planners and operators of decentralized energy systems time and effort.
Legal basis & use
The legal basis for ZEREZ is set out in the § 49d of the Energy Industry Act (Energy Industry Act) and the Electrotechnical Properties Verification Ordinance (NELEV). Manufacturers and certification bodies have been able to voluntarily enter their certificates for several months now. From February 2025, entry in the register will be mandatory. It will then no longer be possible to connect systems without a valid certificate to the public electricity grid.
Functionality of the certificate register
ZEREZ lists all certificates that prove the electrical properties of generating units and components. These certificates are only issued by accredited certification bodies. The most important functions include
- Clear identification by the ZEREZ-ID: Each certificate is given a registration number.
- Access for authorized bodies: Grid operators can view the certificates required for the grid connection check.
- Data security and efficiencyThe digital platform replaces the previous postal transmission of documents and enables a dual control principle between manufacturers and certification bodies.
Mandatory from February 2025
From February 2025, systems and units requiring certification may only be connected to the electricity grid with a certificate stored in ZEREZ. This applies in particular to
- Photovoltaic systems (inverters and additional components)
- Battery storage systems or Large-scale battery storage
- Combined heat and power plants and other power generation units
Network operators will check the completeness of the certificates using the ZEREZ ID before commissioning takes place.
ZEREZ as a digital solution
ZEREZ has provided the energy industry with a centralized and digital solution that both simplifies grid connection procedures and improves the safety and reliability of the electricity grid. CUBE CONCEPTS welcomes the long overdue online certificate register. The voluntary use during the transition period until February 2025 gave all parties involved time to prepare for the new processes.