Renewables, storage and Power grids - the new
Security of supply trio

With the generation of renewable electricity, Germany is moving away from the previous centralised energy supply with large hubs such as nuclear and coal-fired power plants towards numerous small production sites. The many rooftop solar systems as well as solar and wind farms produce electricity on a decentralised basis, Why new paths are neededto transport this electricity to the consumer. The conversion and expansion of the electricity grids is essential to ensure that renewable energies reach all areas of our lives: Working, living, mobility. Without the creation of new transport routes, we will remain dependent on the fossil fuel energy system. Intermediately stored renewable energies supply energy as needed, the grid must be able to realise this new energy world. 

We must give renewables the opportunity to get to where they are needed.

Our energy system urgently needs flexibility in order to supply all consumers from renewable electricity generation in line with demand. Large battery storage can provide flexibility quickly and cheaply. These storage systems must be connected to the electricity grid and, in particular, the Distribution grids must be converted and expanded. In recent years, there has been a lot of attention for large power lines at the transmission level; they are more present and the discussions have been emotional. However, renewables mainly feed into the distribution grid and their conversion and expansion has been "completely ignored". We urgently need to change that.

Sometimes, however, there is no need for a new line, but simply to improve the utilisation of an existing infrastructure.
the so-called upgrading. The overbuilding and better utilisation of the grid connection points would benefit the The use of flexibility can help a lot. This is because battery storage systems act in favour of the grid and system by temporarily storing surplus electricity. When required, they can quickly feed it back into the grid to compensate for fluctuations. They also help to stabilise the grid frequency, ensure security of supply and improve the integration of renewable energies.

These three players are central components of the German energy system - each with clearly defined tasks:

According to the legal requirements, the procedure should proceed as follows: The grid connection procedure begins with the Planningwhere the operator and planner clarify the connection requirements and the necessary technical data. The operator then provides the digital connection application via the network operator's web portal. The grid operator checks the application, carries out a grid compatibility check if necessary and prepares an offer with the connection conditions and costs. During the construction phase, the grid operator sets up the grid connection while the system is installed at the same time. After completion, the installer reports the system to the grid operator, who then installs the metering equipment.

What is the reality? The entire process takes time, depending on various technical requirements, faltering network expansion, lack of communication, etc, several months to several years. Operator of renewable energy systems therefore also plan, build and finance their network infrastructure themselves. Added to this is the Current "grid connection congestion"which in practice delays the commissioning of many systems, whether solar, wind or battery.

The new energy industry needs efficient grids and digitalised grid operators. This is the only way to optimise the use of storage and renewable energies. The grids belong to monopoly companies - they are § 8 EEG to connect the renewable energy systems without delay and thus competently support the energy transition enshrined in law. It is important that the procedures for grid connections become simpler, especially for stand-alone storage systems and for the new standard model: solar parks with storage.