dena-Distribution grid study II | Executive Summary

dena-Distribution grid study II identifies solutions
The energy transition is taking place largely in the distribution grids. For operators, this poses major challenges, particularly when it comes to financing the necessary investments on their own. The partner-funded study uses the modelling of a sample utility in a municipality of 100,000 inhabitants to illustrate the economic impact of transforming electricity, gas and heat networks towards climate neutrality. Building on this, the study identifies solutions in the areas of financing, cross-sector planning, digitalisation and cooperation.

Financing, Planning, Digitalisation, Cooperation
The study has shown that providing the infrastructure for the energy transition can only succeed through a combination of internal company measures, cooperation between companies, and an appropriate regulatory framework at both federal and state level.

• Financing: The regulatory framework must be reliably developed further to ensure viable business models and consumer protection. Capital procurement needs to be expanded and diversification options should be considered.
• Planning: Horizontal and vertical cooperation must be strengthened, EU requirements implemented swiftly, and approval procedures accelerated. Data quality must be improved and data exchange facilitated – without creating parallel structures.
• Digitalisation: Key measures include: making clear political decisions on the grid-oriented use of flexibility, advancing the roll-out of measurement and control technology, and ensuring a solid data foundation and favourable conditions for digitalisation processes.
• Cooperation: Stronger cross-sector coordination among distribution system operators is essential to intensify regional collaboration on the procurement of materials and resources, improve the effective use and coordination of service providers and trades on construction sites, and attract skilled workers.