Transmission Systems

In order to ensure reliability of supply and system stability in times of increasing energy demands and changeover from conventional to decentralized power generation, a constant grid development and planning is essential.

Transmission operators are responsible for optimization and strengthening of existing grids as well as expansion of networks (regardless of whether AC or DC power grids). Measures of network expansion need not only be decided and implemented in their own control area, but also in cooperation with national and European stakeholders.
While the European network expansion planning is being implemented as part of the "Ten Year Network Development Plan" (entsoe.eu), the nationwide network expansion planning is carried out in Germany within the scope of "Network Development Plan" (netzentwicklungsplan.de).

At FGH you have a reliable and supportive partner for software solutions to assist your network planning, and a competent responder for every aspect of network development planning.

The grid operation must ensure system balancing. The use of ancillary services leads to a stable grid operation. In the event of an imbalance, the TSOs stabilize the public network, for example, by using injection or congestion management. In addition to maintenance and expansion of infrastructure, the tasks in grid operation also include provision of ancillary services and coordination of dispatch and redispatch measures in the domestic German and European integrated grid. 

The specifications and agreements for power transport in the European context are formulated in working groups under the survey of the "Association of European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity" (ENTSO-E). Since the liberalization of the electricity market, the merger of the power grid on the European mainland is known under the banner of UCTE (Union for the Co-ordination of Transmission of Electricity).

Generally, asset management implies the control of systems, for example, to keep an eye on investments and costs. This applies to every step of the process, from planning and new construction to maintenance and shutdown. Asset management is also necessary when a system is to be converted or expanded.

Part of the asset management in the energy industry is planning to expand the power grids, systems and storage with due consideration to technological and economic factors over several years. If the question arises how reliable these are in the power supply to the consumer, there are asset managers who will provide studies and concepts to map the current state and prepare the network fit for the future. The advantages are that the plant management can allow for risks such as environmental influences – and thus buttress them. Service providers get long-term contracts to support the customer. Moreover, a clear strategy is defined for the next five to ten years.

The European grid codes require a host of additional protection tests and verification documents that network operators must check when new power generation systems are commissioned – such as the plant certificate, which is now also applicable to systems from up to 135 kW in Germany.

Thanks to our many years of experience in verification and our highly qualified staff, we support grid operators in this task with prompt response so as to absorb capacity peaks.

As part of compliance monitoring, we check the form and content of the evidence documents submitted by network operators. This includes plant certificates, declarations of conformity, electrical planning for prototypes and extended declarations of commissioning. 

In future, the network operators will also be required to introduce compliance monitoring as part of the requirements of the European network codes and to demand its implementation to be effective during the entire life cycle of the power generating plants. Here, too, FGH supports network operators by providing transparent tools.