dena’s Distribution Grid Study II

Distribution grid operators are facing challenges in the areas of planning, investment and financing in the course of the energy transition. This does not relate to a single sector, but to three sectors: electricity, gas and heat. 

The challenges include, for example:

• the monitoring and implementation of municipal heat planning,
• integrated cross-media planning of their own grids,
• uncertainty in the trends for revenue from the gas grid,
• if necessary, significant investments for the development of a hydrogen infrastructure and
• funding for these projects.

Local energy grids are indispensable for a climate-neutral energy system; operators need to orientate their grids towards a climate-neutral energy system and set the course for this now. The Distribution Grid Study II addresses this task.

The aim of the project is to identify, discuss and prioritise the key challenges in the areas of planning, investment and funding and to identify possible solutions together with various distribution system operators over the course of several meetings and workshops. Based on these results, a model-based analysis of the investment and funding requirements will be prepared by the experts. 

In this manner, the Distribution Grid Study II presents solutions and strategic recommendations for the cross-sectoral transformation of infrastructure companies towards climate neutrality. The aim is to visualise the influence of new challenges and solutions on key business figures and to clarify strategies for action.

• Quarter 4 2024: discussion of the modelling results and development of possible solutions to the challenges
• June 2024: workshop on current challenges
• June 2024: launch of modelling
• May 2024: kick-off of the project with the partner group