Electricity in Konz will flow through intelligent grid in the future
Westnetz is investing in the power grid of the future. In Konz, Westenergie's distribution network operator has now digitized one of the first local network stations at Niedermenninger Straße 69. By digitizing its technology, the distribution network operator will be able to better monitor and control live data on electricity and voltage obtained from the network and respond more flexibly to changes in network activities.
Photo (from left): Marco Felten, Joachim Weber, Kai Catrein, Dirk Feiten and Christian Nathem.
Local network stations convert medium voltage into low voltage, which is common in households. Digital local network stations have the same function, but also transmit live data via mobile communications or fiber optics. This allows Westnetz to analyze and regulate the power grid in real time. This data helps the company to expand the grid as needed. In addition, the smart system detects unwanted events such as power outages particularly quickly: the technology helps to isolate errors in the grid and shortens downtimes thanks to the option of remote control. Furthermore, the flexibility and controllability are also a major plus point with regard to climate change and extreme weather such as flooding and heat.
Westnetz is already seeing a significant increase in the load on the grid and is therefore investing early in modernizing the technology. "In less than ten years, our grids will be subject to significantly higher loads," explains Marco Felten, head of the Trier region at Westenergie, at a photo shoot at the new digital local grid station in Konz, adding: "The expansion of electromobility and the use of heat pumps are contributing to this. In addition, the grid must absorb more and more energy from photovoltaic systems and other in-house generation systems in a decentralized manner. In order to absorb this development, we are already preparing our technology for the future."
"The new digital local network stations will strengthen the security of supply in the region. Efficient networks are essential, especially with regard to the energy transition, for example for the use of more solar systems and electric cars. The municipality therefore has a great interest in Westnetz investing here," explains Joachim Weber, mayor of the Konz municipality.
With significant investments, Westnetz is driving forward the expansion of intelligent local network stations to strengthen the electricity network in the Konz municipality. By the end of 2024, a total of 15 digital local network stations are to make the network there future-proof and control the flow of electricity. The following locations have been planned as the locations for the construction of the digital local network stations: Pellingen, Konz, Konz-Könen, Wasserliesch, Wellen, Kanzem, Tawern, Konz-Krettnach, Konz-Karthaus. The installation of the new technology has already been carried out there or is to be completed by the end of 2024.
Background:
The power grid can be imagined like a road network: There are motorways, federal highways and country roads. The power grid is also divided into the high-voltage network (110,000 volts), the medium-voltage network (20,000 volts) and the low-voltage network (400 volts). The different networks serve different users: the high-voltage network serves larger towns and energy-intensive companies, the medium-voltage network serves smaller towns and companies, and the low-voltage network serves individual households and businesses. Substations and local network stations establish the connection between the individual voltage levels - comparable to motorway junctions or motorway exits.