Power supply in transition: K 81 closed for new transformer station in Baven!

Power supply in transition: K 81 closed for new transformer station in Baven!

The energy transition does not stop at the southern Heideland region. In the town of Baven, a comprehensive renovation of the transformer stations is currently being carried out by Celle-Uelzen Netz GmbH (CUN). As part of this measure, not only will an older transformer be replaced, but the necessary infrastructural requirements for a modern, decentralized power supply will also be created. However, the upcoming work also raises questions about the traffic situation, as district road 81 (K 81) will have to be closed for a few hours next Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

The conversion of the transformer station is necessary in order to meet the new demands on the power grids resulting from the ongoing energy transition. The increase in decentralized generation through photovoltaic systems and the simultaneous increasing demand, for example through e-mobility and heat pumps, are causing temporary peaks in electricity consumption. The replacement investment amounts to around 80,000 euros, with the old mast being dismantled and replaced with a contemporary model. This is an essential step to ensure grid stability and security of supply in the future. Celle-Uelzen Netz reports that the first closure will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and asks drivers to avoid the area on these days.

Emerging Technologies

But what exactly is behind this need? In 2023 we observed a real boom in the field of renewable energies in Germany. Around 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaics were newly installed, and the majority of these systems - 81 percent - are already equipped with storage. This shows that not only is the demand for green electricity continuing to rise, but the importance of innovations such as home storage, smart wallboxes and heat pumps is also increasing. Photovoltaics highlights that e-mobility shone with record growth in 2023: 15 percent of all new registrations in Europe were for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

This means additional challenges for the power grids, but also opportunities. As part of the renovation and expansion work in Baven, not only a new transformer station will be provided, but also a new digitally controllable switch house is planned to meet future requirements. In this way, you optimize your own consumption and relieve the strain on the networks, especially in times of higher loads, for example when using electric cars and heat pumps at the same time.

A look at the numbers

A brochure from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK) emphasizes the central role that the expansion of renewable energies plays in the energy transition. The data released is a snapshot covering progress through November 2024. They demonstrate a clear trend regarding the development of renewable energies in Germany, the complete statistics of which can be found on the BMWK website. BMWK has created the AGEE-Stativ, which creates and makes such data available.

Exciting conversion and expansion measures are planned for the region around Baven in the coming weeks, which are not only important for the electricity supply. They also show how crucial progress in energy infrastructure is for a successful energy transition. So stay tuned for more news and developments in your neighborhood!