More and more people rely on “free electricity” from their own photovoltaic system. The result: the domestic network is increasingly reaching its limits.
Solar energy production is currently increasing more than ever. In Lower Austria alone, last year’s PV expansion is equivalent to the production of two Ybbs-Persenbieg power plants. And this year, twice as many new systems will probably be built as in 2022. But where there is light, there is also shadow. While the owners can provide themselves with green energy for free in times of high energy costs, the electricity grids are literally on fire. The blue-yellow electricity grid in particular is considered the most stressed in Austria; after all, a quarter of all red-white-red solar power stations – and more than half of all wind turbines – are located between Enns and Leitha.
Substations as a bottleneck for green electricity
The consequences are now also noticeable for individual households. As reported, there are already capacity bottlenecks in 1,000 of Netz Lower Austria’s 14,000 transformers, and new PV systems in the affected settlements can only feed the network with a kilowatt limit. There are now more and more cases where not only low voltage, but also medium voltage – that is, substations – reaches its limits. Therefore, Netz NÖ’s modernization program foresees the construction of 40 new substations by 2030. By comparison, there are currently 92 substations in operation.
Eight of these new facilities are already under construction. The largest of these will be built in Hague in the Amstetten district, where it will replace the existing, but technically outdated, substation. The €16 million investment will serve approximately 13,300 households in 42 communities. The old factory will then be dismantled and converted into a greenfield site.
The national network also needs to be expanded
“We are rapidly and massively expanding the regional networks to transport more green electricity and to be prepared for power outages,” said State Vice President Stephan Pernkopf, praising their own efforts. The ÖVP politician also does not want to relieve the federal government of its duty: “We need nothing less than a turbo when expanding supra-regional networks!”, says Pernkopf. Because poor networks also lead to additional costs – currently two billion euros per year.
In the meantime, he also wants to improve the acceptance of wind energy. In Germany, the gigantic rotors, which for many are not particularly aesthetic, have flashed since the beginning of the year only at night when an aircraft approaches. “We want to quickly enshrine this needs-based lighting into law in Austria,” Pernkopf again calls on Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
