Cooperation for the energy transition: TenneT and Landvolk Niedersachsen strengthen the future

Cooperation for the energy transition: TenneT and Landvolk Niedersachsen strengthen the future

On December 4th, TenneT and the rural people of Lower Saxony signed an updated future agreement to expand the high-voltage network. This important event follows five meetings of the Joint Future Commission, in which the most important aspects for future cooperation were discussed. A central element of the new agreement is that the regulations now also apply to offshore grid connection systems. This applies not only to land-based projects, but also to TenneT's pioneering offshore projects in Lower Saxony.

The agreement is seen as an important signal with regard to the pressure of expanding the energy system on rural areas. This agreement gives farmers more planning and a uniform approach. The rural people make it clear: the energy transition can only succeed together with the companies. This requires clear rules and reliable contacts in order to establish a binding dialogue and defuse possible conflicts.

Accelerating offshore expansion

But what does offshore expansion actually look like? TenneT, as the leading offshore transmission system operator in Europe, recently invited political representatives to a shipyard visit in Cádiz. This served to exchange information about the construction progress of the converter platform for the offshore grid connection system BorWin5, which is being built in the German North Sea. Challenges and solutions for faster implementation of offshore wind energy were discussed.

Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of TenneT, emphasized the need for reliable framework conditions, from shortened approval procedures to sufficient market capacities and stable supply chains. The political priority of accelerating the expansion of offshore wind energy was repeatedly emphasized. Dieter Janecek, coordinator for maritime and tourism, also promised support for faster approval procedures.

Innovations and challenges in the wind energy sector

The importance of offshore wind energy for the future energy market is also reflected in the Wind Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG). Germany is aiming to expand 30 gigawatts by 2030 and 40 gigawatts by 2035. Offshore converter platforms play a central role in this, as they convert alternating current into direct current, thereby minimizing transmission losses.

TenneT currently operates offshore grid connections with a total transmission capacity of around 11.5 gigawatts and is planning 21 additional grid connections by 2031. The development of innovative technologies, such as the 66 kV direct connection, is intended to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of grid connections. The first commissioning of the ultra-modern converter platforms is planned for 2029.

Although Germany does not yet produce its own converter platforms, there are efforts to increase production capacities. German shipyards are planning to enter production, while a special guarantee program from the federal government is intended to help overcome financial bottlenecks in building the converters. However, the success of these measures remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the expansion of offshore wind energy is not only an economic but also an environmental imperative. This path can only be successfully pursued through the cooperation of everyone involved.

The coming years will be crucial if the energy transition is to continue to unfold. The discussions and agreements made today lay the foundation for the future - a future in which renewable energies are an integral part of our everyday lives.