More solar power in the existing grid – storage is the key

More solar power requires greater grid capacity – and greater security. 

Germany’s electricity grids could accommodate significantly more solar energy than previously assumed. A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology (IEE) highlights the potential inherent in the existing infrastructure. (FOCUS online⁠)

At 1,313 rural substations, intelligently controlled battery storage systems could enable a total of around 150 GW of additional photovoltaic capacity – more than the approximately 130 GW of PV capacity currently installed in Germany. (TGA Praxis⁠)

Store first, feed in later

 Large-scale battery storage systems make it possible to temporarily store solar power peaks in a targeted manner and feed them into the transformer at a later time. This allows the existing transformer capacity to be utilised much more efficiently and relieves pressure on the grid infrastructure in a targeted way. 

According to BSW-Solar, the use of battery storage systems allows existing grid capacity to be utilised more effectively. The underlying study suggests that, on an annual average, only around one per cent of the additional solar power generated would need to be curtailed due to limited transformer capacity. (FOCUS online⁠)

Storage + smart control + safety

 For the further development of large solar parks, this means that grid capacity must not only be expanded but also utilised more intelligently. Storage, digitalisation and precise control of energy flows are becoming increasingly important in this regard.

At the same time, with every new solar park and every battery storage facility, the importance of comprehensive site and plant security is growing. Large-scale battery storage facilities, substations and solar parks are critical components of the energy infrastructure and must be reliably protected against theft, sabotage and unauthorised access.

More renewable energy requires not only greater grid capacity – but also greater security. alarm.direct – Security for the energy infrastructure.