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Renewable forms of energy and network congestion points in harmony
Since the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) came into force in the year 2000, there has been a major increase in the development of wind energy plants, and wind power is increasingly being input into the network. Nevertheless, transpower stromübertragungs gmbh maximum voltage networks are already reaching the limits of their capacity in some regions.
In accordance with §11 para. 1 of the EEG, network operators are exceptionally entitled – without prejudice to their obligations under § 9 of the EEG (extension of network capacity) – to regulate systems connected to their network with an output in excess of 100 kilowatts for power production from renewable energy, cogeneration or mine gas, when the network capacity in the affected area of the network would otherwise be overloaded by the power supplied.
The aim of this statutory ruling is to integrate with the network the highest possible proportion of power from renewable energy sources, mine gas or cogeneration while maintaining the safety of the system, without any negative implications for the rapid development of the network prescribed by statute.
For this reason, transpower has taken considerable measures in some parts of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony to reinforce the network. Currently around 380 kilometres of additional maximum voltage cable is being provided, to carry power generated by wind power stations in particular.
Wind-related network congestion points in the transpower control area
In spite of already existing network congestion in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, more wind power plants are scheduled for connection to the network. To make it possible for further wind parks to be constructed without endangering the reliability of the power supply, transpower has introduced a 'power production management system' as a transitional solution – until, that is, the upgrading projects have been completed. This permits the continued connection of decentralised energy production plants such as wind farms, solar energy plants and biomass power stations, until the necessary network development has been completed in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.