German energy industry calls for standardisation of renewables' grid connections

Germany's energy industry has urged for a standardisation of renewables' grid connections in order to speed up the process. Industry association BDEW said that grid operators had "seen an exponential increase in grid connection applications since 2022, with the number of applications quadrupling in some cases" for linking up renewable installations, as well as storage systems and heat pumps. The group presented several proposals to speed up grid connections so more renewable energy systems can be put online, and Germany can reach its climate targets. These included using standardised digital procedures to process the large number of requests quickly and efficiently, reducing bureaucracy, and addressing the shortage of trained installers and training courses.

In January, German retailers said significant delays in connecting new electric vehicle (EV) charging points and solar PV installations to the local electricity grid were putting the brakes on the country's shift to renewables. Grid connections are taking up to 18 months, according to retailer association HDE.