German industry urges government to speed up grid expansion

Germany continues to increase its installed renewable energy capacity, but is lagging behind in building the necessary power lines. At a meeting with Germany’s economy minister on Tuesday, industry representatives stressed the need to build out the grids faster. Insufficient capacity in Germany’s transmission system regularly leads to renewable generation being curtailed.

One of those calling for faster grid development is Stephan Lowis, chief executive of EnviaM, according to Montel. He said the company connects 200 to 250 MW of renewable capacity to its grid every month. However, grid capacity is being expanded slowly.

“We’re curtailing generation like crazy. I did the math. The curtailed generation could cover Cottbus’s consumption for six months. What we’re doing is crazy. That’s why we need to build grids faster,” Stephan Lowis said.

Thorsten Kramer, chief executive of German company LEAG, also commented on Germany’s energy plans. He said that although the government had presented a long-awaited plan to build gas-fired power plants, it had still not decided where they would be built.

“We are further along in the energy transition than public debate suggests, and that’s a problem. I think we sometimes need to put the positive things first,” said Stefan Kapferer, chief executive of transmission system operator 50Hertz.

According to Kapferer, however, the situation is better than in previous years, when there were concerns about very slow permitting processes. He said the problems now lie in basic areas, such as securing the necessary materials and workers. He added that current regulation is also holding back grid development, as some transmission lines are being built at greater expense as underground cables rather than overhead lines.