(Berlin, June 23, 2022) Our power grid is being expanded at the extra-high-voltage level to enable the accelerated conversion of Germany’s electricity system to renewable energy sources. For the first time, it is now possible to follow the progress online. The VDE FNN map of Germany’s extra-high-voltage grid shows that planning is complete for the three high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines. These lines – key infrastructure for efficiently transporting wind energy from the north of Germany to load centers in the south – are now marked with start and end points. The A-Nord/Ultranet line will run from Emden/Ost via Osterath to Philippsburg; the SuedLink line will run from Brunsbüttel to Großgartach and from Wilster to Bergrheinfeld/West; and the SuedOstLink line will run from Wolmirstedt to the Isar substation near Landshut.
Zooming in on the power grid: digital map
In addition to the wall map at a scale of 1:600,000, which will be available in the VDE Shop starting in summer 2022, there is also a digital version of the map with a maximum scale of 1:200,000 (depending on the screen size and resolution). Users can zoom in on the online map to view power lines, substations, power plants and their surroundings in detail. Clicking on a line reveals its voltage level, whether it is operational or in planning/under construction, and how many circuits it has. For substations and power plants, the status is also displayed (operational, in planning, under construction) along with the energy source (for power plants) and name.
Further plans to increase transmission capacity
Plans to continue increasing the extra-high-voltage transmission capacity include upgrades from 220 kV to 380 kV lines as part of the government’s push to optimize the power grid before reinforcing and expanding it. Examples of currently planned sections include Vieselbach – Wolkramshausen – Lauchstädt in Thuringia/Saxony-Anhalt and Altheim – Ludersheim – Raitersaich in Bavaria.
The online map of Germany’s extra-high-voltage grid will be updated annually by VDE FNN and the four transmission system operators 50Hertz Transmission, Amprion, TenneT TSO and TransnetBW. The print version is updated every two years. It covers extra-high-voltage lines carrying 380 and 220 kilovolts (three-phase current), HVDC lines, interconnecting lines crossing Germany’s borders and offshore grid connections. Existing lines and those being built or planned are marked accordingly. A free overview map (in German) is available to download at www.vde.com/de/fnn/fnn-netzplan
