A step ahead by considering network expansion

Developers of wind, solar and storage projects often have difficulty finding an available grid connection point (NAP). The reason for this is often locally congested network sections. Remote NAPs can significantly increase project costs and lead to inefficiency. In this context, it is important to consider future network expansion from the start of both project development.

Distribution system operators with over 100,000 connected customers are required to disclose specific projects to expand the network infrastructure (e.g., line strengthening, new substations) every 2 years. It publishes the type of measure, status of planning and approval processes, costs and planned start-up. The planning horizon generally relates to the period up to 2045, the year of Germany's legally enshrined climate neutrality. The measures are defined on the basis of existing network bottlenecks and the predicted change in load flows. This is always based on the so-called “NOVA” principle (network optimization before strengthening and expansion).

In the context of project development, a detailed understanding of network expansion helps to assess whether and when a NAP will be available. This is particularly relevant because binding feedback from network operators can often take weeks or months. Valuable time and resources should therefore be invested in projects where higher chances of a NAP can be estimated from the outset. Project developers should therefore definitely consider network expansion planning in the early planning phase. dvlp.energy has developed software for evaluating network expansion plans, which cartographically visualizes measures for area evaluation. This means that users of dvlp.energy are always up to date with network expansion planning and are therefore one step ahead.