Grid studies I and II

One of the declared objectives of the energy transition is to integrate renewable sources into the electricity supply. However, an electricity supplier would want to be sure that the wind power is also economically viable for the company and that there is long-term planning security before investing in it, for example. In this context, the question arises: what changes in the electricity grid are required, and within what time frame, in order to be able to adequately utilise renewable energies that, by their very nature, fluctuate? dena was already working intensively on a possible expansion of the grid, even before it had become a topic of public interest.

dena commissioned recognised experts to prepare two studies in order to obtain a realistic and well-founded result. Grid Study I was presented in 2005. In it, dena had developed strategies to achieve a 20 per cent share of renewable energies in Germany’s electricity generation between 2015 and 2020. It was followed in 2010 by Grid Study II, which envisages an expansion to 39 per cent by 2015. In particular, Grid Studies I and II deal with the gradual integration of wind power capacity on land and at sea. dena commissioned an external expert to review the interim and final results.

Grid Studies I and II have convincingly demonstrated the measures that the German electricity grid can use to meet the requirements of the future: through targeted grid expansion and simultaneous optimisation of the existing energy infrastructure. These results provide energy suppliers with greater planning security: investment decisions are then based on reliable figures rather than speculation. Today, the topic of grid expansion is firmly anchored in the minds of those involved. The comprehensive change facing the German electricity market can also take place in an orderly fashion thanks to the studies.