Bundesnetzagentur launches consultation on grid expansion
Jochen Homann: "Further projects necessary for the energy transition to succeed
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Year of issue 2021
Date of issue 2021.08.09
The Bundesnetzagentur has today started consulting on the second draft of the network development plan for the expansion of the electricity grid up to 2035, which it has assessed.
"Our preliminary assessment results show that the projects already listed in the Federal Requirements Plan Act are still necessary and urgently needed to meet energy supply requirements. In addition, there are other grid expansion measures that we also consider to be necessary,"
explained Jochen Homann, Bundesnetzagentur President.
The current process is based on the ambitious scenarios in the context of renewable energy. The measures take account of the expansion in energy generation from wind, hydro and solar power. The process therefore already accommodates the new climate targets.
Additional direct current line necessary
The Bundesnetzagentur currently considers a further direct current connection between Lower Saxony and Hesse to be necessary. In addition, alternating current connections must also be upgraded or newly established.
The electricity network development plan 2021-2035 contains the measures for the expansion of the German transmission system that are necessary to ensure a secure electricity supply up to the year 2035. The network development plan also defines the necessary offshore transmission links. The calculations are underpinned by the federal government's goal of accelerating the expansion of renewable energy.
Assessment of probable environmental impact
Alongside the preliminary results of its assessment of the network development plan, the Bundesnetzagentur has also published a draft environmental report, which identifies, describes and evaluates the likely environmental impact of the grid expansion projects. Alternatives to individual measures are also evaluated and compared in the environmental report.
Comments by 20 October
The network development plan, the preliminary assessment results and the draft environmental report are available (in German) at the Bundesnetzagentur's offices until 20 September 2021. The documents and further information are also available online at https://www.netzausbau.de/20212035nepub.
The public and public agencies are invited to submit comments by 20 October 2021.
The Bundesnetzagentur will hold information events alongside the consultation process in Lübeck on 31 August, in Münster on 2 September and online on 14 and 16 September.
Explanatory films (in German) about the network development plan can be found on YouTube at www.youtube.com/netzausbau.
The methodology for the strategic environmental assessment is explained in a short video (in German) at www.netzausbau.de/superklaert.