Expanding Germany’s power transmission grid could cost about 50 billion euros until 2030
The cost of expanding Germany’s power transmission grid onshore and in the Baltic and North Seas to adapt to the future power system brought on by the Energiewende could be between 50-52 billion euros until 2030, the country’s four transmission system operators (TSO) said in a press release. The TSOs published first drafts of their bi-annual on- and offshore grid development plans with preliminary calculations for the needed investments. The operators provide plans based on four scenarios, each with different assumptions on how strong and fast Germany’s energy landscape changes with the Energiewende. About 7,600 – 8,500 kilometres (km) of existing transmission lines will have to be modified and strengthened, depending on the scenario. An additional 3,800 km new transmission line routes are needed onshore and 2,277 km offshore, according to the draft plans. Overall, TSOs expect a significant increase in power produced from offshore wind and solar PV, while onshore wind development will be slowed by changes made with the reform of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) in 2016. The drafts are now open for public consultation. The final development plans will ultimately form the basis for federal legislation.
Find the press release in German here and the drafts in German here.
Find out more about resistance against major power lines in the article "Protests against transmission lines grow".
Find more information on Germany’s electricity network in the CLEW factsheet Set-up and challenges of Germany's power grid.