GE Vernova recently signed its first large-scale contract — a deal with TransnetBW GmbH. As we wrote a few months ago, they’ll be upgrading the Kühmoos substation in southern Germany. This critical substation is strategically located on the border with Switzerland. It’s an important transmission hub, connecting two of the largest pumped-storage hydropower plants in the United States. The modernization aims to increase the amount of electricity that can be exchanged between Germany, France, and Switzerland. This increase will help improve the resilience of the entire regional network.
The Kühmoos substation is at the center of cross-border electricity exchanges. TransnetBW is at the forefront of modernizing Germany’s electrical infrastructure. This undertaking is one piece of a larger push to improve this crucial supply and energy center. Dr. Rainer Pflaum, CFO of TransnetBW GmbH, explained the significance of the upgrade. It will strengthen energy transmission capacity for Germany and its border connecting countries.
Project Details and Technological Advancements
The $900M multiplier modernization project will add 15 bays of compact gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) technology. It will feature a four busbar system that increases power distribution efficiency. GE Vernova’s grid solutions division will manage the delivery of a new 380kV GIS on a turnkey basis, ensuring that the project meets stringent operational standards.
Along with improving capacity, the upgrade adds a MSCDN—mechanical switched capacitor with damping network. This smart technology improves voltage regulation. It prevents transmission line losses, guaranteeing a more resilient and reliable electricity supply. The initiative promises to considerably fortify the provision of frequency regulation and voltage stability across meshed networks in Europe.
Enhancing Renewable Energy Integration
The timing of the upgrade of the Kühmoos substation couldn’t be better. It furthers the increasing rush to integrate renewable energy into the electric grid. These added capacity and reliability improvements accelerate the management of increasing power flows. Only then can we truly harness the full potential of renewable energy. Johan Bindele, Vice President and CEO, Grid Systems Integration at GE Vernova suggested this activity represents the enormity of that project. It takes a big step toward addressing the growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Together, GE Vernova and TransnetBW are making an impactful contribution to Europe’s collective transition toward a more sustainable energy infrastructure. Dr. Werner Götz, CEO of TransnetBW GmbH was upbeat at the joint sustainable future the partnership engenders. Vince is hopeful that the modernization project will increase the operational flexibility of one of Europe’s vital energy hubs.
Future Implications for Cross-Border Electricity Exchange
While the Kühmoos substation’s innovative transformation is local, the exportation of the outcomes has national implications. By strengthening the infrastructure that facilitates cross-border electricity exchange, this project is set to play a vital role in Europe’s energy landscape. That improved connectivity will help contribute to regional stability. More broadly, it will continue to be a major driver for the clean energy transition.