1. System transformation while ensuring security of supply
With the decline of conventional power plants, renewable energy facilities and storage systems must take over their system functions in the future – that is, not only supply electricity but also stabilize frequency and voltage. The technical requirements for this are regulated at the European level – in the Connection Network Codes. However, these date from a time when the system was still dominated by large power plants. A revised version (CNC 2.0) has already been technically agreed upon, but the European Commission has
postponed its publication indefinitely. This is grossly negligent; CNC 2.0 must be published. At the same time, market mechanisms must be created that provide binding remuneration for system services and ensure investment security.
2. Bring the energy transition to the customer
The energy transition is becoming hard to ignore in the distribution grid – that is, where electricity reaches households and businesses. Smart metering systems and control technology make it possible to flexibly integrate millions of systems. Today, more and more households are combining multiple systems: rooftop solar, a wallbox for the electric car, and a heat pump. Grid operators are permitted to intervene during bottlenecks and limit power output. For heat pumps and wallboxes, the responsibilities and procedures are clearly regulated in Section 14a of the Energy Economy Act (EnWG). For PV systems, however, Section 9 of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) applies – without a similarly clear and consistent regulatory framework. The differing requirements create unnecessary complexity. A uniform regulation for electricity generation and consumption is required. Only in this way can flexibility be used in a targeted and efficient manner to ensure grid stability.
3. Ensuring safe and efficient grid operation
With the growing number of decentralized systems, feed-in and load fluctuate more – the system becomes more dynamic. Grid operators must therefore know at all times what is happening in the grid and be able to actively control it. This requires clear responsibilities and robust intervention rights – that is, clearly defined authorities to enable a rapid response to bottlenecks or disruptions. At the same time, the distribution grid level, with millions of controllable installations, is becoming critical to the system. Binding cybersecurity requirements are therefore essential.
Where do we stand on grid expansion and digitalization?
The Network Technology/Network Operation Forum (VDE FNN) is the technical standards-setter for secure
power grids in Germany. Over 500 members – grid operators, manufacturers, plant operators, and scientific institutions – identify technical challenges in the energy transition across 60 committees and jointly develop solutions. Every four years, VDE FNN publishes a roadmap outlining the current status of grid expansion and digitalization.
