Back

NOVA principle.
Responsibility in network construction

The Grid Development Plan

Our basis for ensuring security of supply

The energy transition presents us with challenges. To ensure we can reliably supply consumers with large volumes of renewable electricity, we will adjust our transmission network to meet the demands. Every two years we will work with the three other German transmission system operators to build the necessary measures into the Grid Development Plan (German acronym: NEP).

The aim of the NEP is a grid with no power transmission bottlenecks, combined with the most space-saving grid expansion possible. All measures will be based on the NOVA principle of grid optimisation first, then grid strengthening before any further grid expansion. Any expansion may only be planned once all other options within the existing grid have been exhausted.

For further information you can visit our page about the Network development plan.

Interview: Three questions about grid development

What particular demands make adjustment of the transmission network necessary?
How will the Grid Development Plan be devised?
Why is the NOVA principle being applied?

Dr. Michael Schäfer · Strategic Grid Planning “The aim of grid planning is sparing use of resources.”

English transcription

Play

Baden-Württemberg ×

A 2030

Scenario A describes a moderate-paced energy transition involving some introduction of new technologies with a relatively minor degree of innovation. There will be a modest increase in onshore wind farms and photovoltaics, with a slight decline in conventional power capacity.

Renewables TWh
Electricity consumption TWh
Conventional generation TWh

B 2030

In Scenario B the development of the energy sector will be achieved by innovative technologies like renewable energy generators (e.g. wind turbines and photovoltaics), home storage, heat pumps, electric mobility and enhanced efficiency. European-wide climate change policies will play a key role.

Renewables TWh
Electricity consumption TWh
Conventional generation TWh

C 2030

Scenario C describes an accelerated energy transition process with intensive use of flexibilities, new technologies and networking of the electricity, heating and transport (e-mobility) sectors in support of cross-sector climate change goals.

Renewables TWh
Electricity consumption TWh
Conventional generation TWh

N O V A

N O

Grid optimisation

All weathers.
Meteorology and grid operation

Scientific studies and technical innovations help us optimise grid usage. For instance, we draw on meteorological expertise to alter the way we use weather-dependent overhead lines.

The current capacity of overhead lines for specific conditions like “high summer weather” is standardised, with an assumed ambient temperature of 35° Celsius and a wind speed of 0.6 metres per second. A cooler temperatures or stronger wind will increase the current capacity beyond the standard level, so in future we will be installing our own weather stations to ensure better use of the grid in all weathers.

Interview: in conversation about the way weather-dependent overhead lines are used

Wolfgang Tausend · Grid Construction “Accurate weather data enables more flexible control of the grid.”

English transcription

Play

Weather stations on the mast

Weather stations installed on the mast supply up-to-the-minute data to the central switch station.

Weather stations on the mast

Weather stations installed on the mast supply up-to-the-minute data to the central switch station.

25803600 A

Without taking into account the effect of weather on current capacity, that sample overhead line can transmit power with a maximum strength of 2580 amperes (A), which corresponds to a capacity of 1877 megawatts (MW).

Favourable weather, such as cooler temperatures or a stronger wind increase the maximum current capacity of the sample power line by up to 1.4 times (3600 A/2600 MW). The central switch station team can leverage this effect with the help of up-to-the-minute weather data – for more flexible control and better use of the grid.

Without any weather data

With weather data

N O V

Grid strengthening

Maximum performance
minimal modification

To strengthen the capacity of our transmission system, we will increase the voltage level from 220 to 380 kilovolt AC lines. This will require the minor procedure of adding new or extra conductor cables to existing masts: one larger one and one parallel new one. Ultranet, one of our major projects to strengthen the grid, involves running a DC link for wind power alongside our existing AC routes.

Interview: How we are strengthening our transmission system

Eva Zimmermann, Project Manager for Plant Installation “Grid strenghtening means finding an acceptable solution to many issues, for example distance to residential buildings.”

English transcription

Play

More transmission capacity:

Installation of a third traverse creates room for new conductor cables and enables two additional circuits to be installed within the system, which doubles its transmission capacity.

Mast elevation:

Conductor cables can stretch under high power loads and begin to sag. To ensure a safe distance is maintained between the cables and the ground, the mast is elevated by the addition of extra steel segments.

Before grid strengthening

After grid strengthening

N O V A

Grid expansion

Local citizens involved in planning

Once all options for grid optimisation and strengthening have been exhausted, new powerlines are planned. One example of this would be SuedLink. This electricity highway will be a good 700 km long and the biggest infrastructure project of the energy transition. The DC line will bring large volumes of wind power from the north to the high-consumption industrial centres in the south of Germany. SuedLink will be implemented by underground cables running through five federal states.

A new-build project of this scale affects many people and different interest groups, which is why we are engaging in intensive consultation with local citizens, municipal authorities and associations about our thoughts and intentions. Your input on our innovative Online-Tool helps us improve our planning of SuedLink and increase the level of acceptance of this expansion.

Outstandingly high degree of transparency

Our project partners TenneT and TransnetBW have now received no less than three internationally acclaimed awards for their communication about SuedLink. All of the judging panels have been impressed by the high degree of public transparency. We put three questions about this to SuedLink Project Manager Thomas Schlüter.

Thomas Schlüter, Project Manager of SuedLink “Public dialogue is an integral part of the success of our planning."

English transcription

Play

A network of suggested underground cable corridors for SuedLink has been submitted to the German Federal Network Agency. An essential element is to identify a proposed corridor. For the balance of the procedure, however, all corridors that are seriously being considered will be examined equally.

Proposed underground cable corridor
Alternative underground cable corridor
Further corridor network
Conurbation
Mountains and forest areas
Important locations of flora and fauna
Network connection points

NOVA principle

Our sense of responsibility towards people, nature and the environment

With its transmission network, TransnetBW preserves the quality of life and economic strength of Baden-Württemberg, the south-west of Germany and beyond our own borders. Needs-based adjustment of the grids is fundamental to the success of the energy transition. By applying the NOVA principle, we can minimise the impact on people and the environment. And in supplying the energy we need in the future, we will continue to honour our sense of corporate responsibility towards people and the environment.

Dr. Werner Götz · Chief Executive Officer “NOVA to us means making our grid fit for the energy transition – and protecting people and the natural world as much as possible in the process.”

English transcription