Germany needs new power plants in south to secure supply after nuclear exit

Germany will have to build new power plants in the south of the country to preserve supply security after its nuclear exit in 2022, according to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA). Rapid response plants with a total capacity of 1.2 gigawatts will be required until the construction of major transmission lines will be completed that will carry wind power from Germany’s north to the industrial south. The new plants will only serve as an emergency backup, and will not be allowed to sell power on the exchange, says the agency. Grid operators called for additional capacities of “about two gigawatts” in February.
Utility association BDEW said the need for additional plants showed a massive lag in urgently needed grid extensions. “Therefore, it would be dangerous to question the grid extension,” said the association’s head, Stefan Kapferer, in a press release.

Find the grid agency’s press release in German here.

Find the utility association’s press release in German here.