E-Bridge analysis reveals concentrated grid bottlenecks in Germany

An analysis by consulting firm E-Bridge, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has revealed that grid capacity limitations are highly concentrated in specific areas. The study, conducted in collaboration with the BDEW and 21 high-voltage grid operators, evaluated data from approximately 3,000 substations.

The findings indicate that the planned redispatch reservation would primarily affect a small number of structural hotspots. Specifically, about 6 percent of substations relevant to wind farms and 5 percent relevant to photovoltaic systems are affected. However, these limited areas account for approximately 72 percent of the total redispatch requirement.

E-Bridge concluded that the instrument is intended to improve system integration for renewable energy expansion rather than imposing a nationwide limit. Kerstin Andreae, CEO of BDEW, noted that the publication provides a crucial overview of grid utilization across nearly all of Germany, serving as a foundation for assessing the potential impacts of the proposed redispatch measures.