Europe’s power system and its operation is undergoing profound transformation. This is driven by multiple structural trends including decarbonization, rapid electrification, increasing cross-border power flows, and a reshaping of both generation and demand. A key feature across all such efforts is the growing converter-interfaced technologies across the system. In this evolving context, grid-forming (GFM) capabilities can play an important role in supporting voltage and frequency, improving fault behaviour, and strengthening overall system resilience. The wind sector is actively advancing GFM solutions and sees strong potential for deployment at scale. However, an effective roll-out requires careful consideration of technical, operational and economic aspects to ensure that requirements are aligned with system needs, industrial readiness, and the efficient deployment of renewable energy for Europe's energy security and decarbonisation targets.

This presentation elaborates on European wind sector's recommendations for translating the current state of technical understanding into practical, harmonised and investable GFM requirements under the revised EU Connection Network Codes. We propose four pillars: (1) clear EU-wide definitions and an implementation framework aligned with technology readiness and the inherent limits of each generating unit; (2) procurement of any performance beyond baseline capabilities via transparent, market-based schemes with fair remuneration; (3) staged roll-out with transitional provisions that allow early projects to commission through temporary operating modes and targeted validation; and (4) a realistic, cost-effective compliance ecosystem that avoids multiple country-specific procedures.

Building on report by ENTSO-E Technical Group Grid Forming Capabilities, we highlight technical focus points where guidance must remain technology-agnostic and proportionate. These include effective impedance limits, criteria reflecting mechanical and operational constraints of wind turbine generators, flexibility in current-limiting methods during faults, damping requirements, future-proof rules for hybrid co-located plants, and synthetic inertia specifications through market-based procurement, and considerations for compliance verification.

The presentation also suggest a way forward and next steps for unlocking the potential of GFM capabilities while supporting Europe’s broader goals of energy security, competitiveness, and climate neutrality.