OCA Calls for Open Standards in Revised European Grid Connection Network Code
Thu 30 Jul 2026
The Open Charge Alliance has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the draft Delegated Regulation establishing a revised Network Code on Requirements for Grid Connection of Generators.
The consultation is open until 25 August 2026 and forms part of the European Commission’s work to update grid connection requirements and extend their scope to electricity storage and vehicle-to-grid applications.
In its contribution, OCA highlights a critical gap in the current draft: the communication interface between vehicle-to-grid electric vehicle supply equipment (V2G EVSE) and the relevant system operator remains undefined.
Without a clearly specified and harmonised interface, different system operators could introduce their own technical and security requirements. This could lead to fragmented implementations, additional compliance costs and reduced interoperability across Europe.
This contribution builds on OCA’s recent response to the European Commission’s AFIR Call for Evidence, in which OCA similarly highlighted the importance of open communication standards and harmonised certification frameworks. While AFIR addresses the deployment and operation of charging infrastructure more broadly, the revised Network Code brings these same principles into the interaction between V2G charging infrastructure and the electricity system.
OCA’s recommendations
To support a secure, interoperable and future-proof implementation of the Network Code, OCA recommends:
- Naming IEC 63584 as the standard communication protocol for the “Relevant System Operator data exchange interface” described in Annex III, as well as for the data exchange interfaces required of V2G EVSE, electricity storage modules and power-generating modules.
- Referencing the OCPP 2.1 Certification Programme in national compliance schemes under Article 49, providing manufacturers and operators with a single, harmonised route to demonstrate compliance instead of separate system-operator-specific approaches.
- Recognising IEC 63584 as a means of meeting the cybersecurity requirements of Article 7(2). Consistent implementation of standardised security mechanisms can help reduce the systemic risks associated with fragmented or proprietary solutions.
- Supporting the remote adjustment of grid-code parameters through IEC 63584, enabling deployed V2G EVSE to remain aligned with evolving grid requirements without requiring hardware replacement or repeated on-site intervention.
Supporting a harmonised approach to V2G
As electric vehicles increasingly interact with the electricity system, the communication between charging infrastructure and system operators will become essential to grid stability, flexibility and security.
OCA believes that open standards and recognised certification programmes should form the basis of this communication. A harmonised approach can support interoperability across national markets, provide greater certainty for manufacturers and operators, and help Europe scale vehicle-to-grid technology securely and efficiently.
By explicitly referencing IEC 63584 and the OCPP 2.1 Certification Programme, the revised Network Code can establish a clear and future-proof framework for integrating V2G EVSE into the European electricity system.
OCA encourages its members and other stakeholders to contribute to the consultation and share their perspectives before 25 August 2026.
