Germany Network Agency says grid restructuring behind schedule

Nov 25, 2011 - The Federal Network Agency said today in its monitoring that half of the 24 "particularly urgent" power grid restructuring projects, central for Germany's transition from nuclear to renewable energy, are being delayed by between one and four years.

A total 73 out of the 149 restructuring measures planned to be implemented by 2014 are currently suffering a delay or a postponement, the agency added. However, the situation is still stable and controllable, Matthias Kurth, the president of the Network Agency said.

According to Kurth, the expansion of the electricity networks in Germany has to be implemented hand-in-hand with the expansion of renewable energy projects in the country.

There is a crucial need for expansion of the grid connecting the northern part of Germany with the southern regions as wind energy generated by offshore power plants would need to be transported to the south, where major nuclear power plants are to be closed. According to the estimates of the Network Agency, the country needs up to 4,450 kilometres (2,765 miles) of new electricity networks which will transport the energy generated in the north to the south.

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