The Expensive German Sanctuary: "A large power grid for renewables? That's not feasible. Period."
Massive infrastructure plan for sustainable energy sources.
Reworked and Revised Article
A Power Grid Fit for the Future: Why Centralized Grid Expansion Won't Cut It
By taking a cellular approach to our power grid, Germany can take advantage of localized renewables, storage, and battery technology to build a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy network.
The German network operators are thrilled. The federal government has announced the construction of new gas power plants, as desired, to serve as "firefighters" for the power system. But Klaus Mindrup, an energy expert, isn't convinced. "Gas power plants on the green field" don't solve the problem of heat in periods of low generation, he says. "Renewables work differently than the previous system. You have to accept that," he adds. So, what would be better? Mindrup recommends following California's lead. The future lies in island networks, local price signals, combined heat and power (CHP), and the "all-rounders" of the power system, batteries.
Are we romanticizing the past with centralized grid expansion?
Klaus Mindrup insists that the basic idea of the power grid — a copper plate allowing the flow of electricity with minimal loss from Flensburg to Garmisch-Partenkirchen — is misguided. The truth is, there are power plant deployment plans — dispatches — but if there's abundant sunshine in the south and not in the north, the electricity has to be transported to the north. With wind, it's the other way around. The lines aren't enough for that. We should be repairing them constantly — that's the "redispatch."
Will a large, interconnected European power grid helpus?
Unfortunately, a large, interconnected European power grid isn't feasible without proper storage. Any system that attempts to rely on mutual stabilization and security without it is bound to fail. As Mindrup puts it, "Without storage, it doesn't work."
Locally Connected Networks for a Brighter Future
The advantage of a cellular power grid approach—such as microgrids or distributed generation systems—is that its decentralized structure allows for reduced energy losses, enhanced grid resilience and reliability, increased integration of renewables, and improved efficiency during peak demand. Additionally, this approach facilitates better utilization of energy storage and the development of a more environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and locally empowered energy network.
Key Advantages of a Cellular (Distributed) Power Grid Approach
- Reduced Energy Losses Local generation minimizes the need for long-distance transmission, reducing energy losses that occur in large centralized grids.
- Enhanced Grid Resilience and Reliability Microgrids can operate independently during outages, enabling them to maintain power supply in emergency situations where centralized grids are more vulnerable.
- Facilitated Integration of Renewable Energy Cellular grids can more easily incorporate diverse, distributed renewable sources, balancing supply and demand effectively.
- Improved Efficiency at Peak Demand The presence of multiple local generation nodes reduces strain on the central grid during peak consumption periods, helping stabilize the overall grid.
- Lower Environmental and Land Impact Distributed generation often involves smaller installations, minimizing ecosystem disruption and supporting sustainable urban and rural development.
- Better Utilization of Energy Storage Local energy storage technologies can help stabilize supply and demand dynamically, ensuring reliable electricity even when renewable sources fluctuate.
- Operational and Economic Advantages Distributed grids enable local energy trading and can generate ancillary services, optimizing energy economics and providing more revenue streams for participants.
In conclusion, a cellular power grid approach is tailored to the decentralized nature of renewable energy sources. By adopting this approach, Germany can build a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy network that not only meets the demands of our changing energy landscape but also empowers local communities and enhances the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy.
Clara Pfeffer and Christian Herrmann spoke with Klaus Mindrup. The conversation has been edited for clarity and smoothness. You can listen to the full conversation in the "Klima-Labor" podcast.
Klima-Labor by ntv
Join us every Thursday for thirty minutes as we delve into topics crucial to the fight against climate change, debunking myths and exploring potential solutions. Are we an "energy beggar" or cooking the books on the energy transition? Do renewable energies create or destroy jobs? How do cities vote for the AfD yet elect a young wind power mayor? Tune in to ntv and wherever podcasts are available, including RTL, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and RSS-Feed.
Got questions? Write to us at [email protected] or contact Clara Pfeffer and Christian Herrmann.
PrivacySource: ntv.de
Power gridsFederal Network AgencyKatherina ReicheEnergy supplyEnergy transitionDunkelflaute
- In arguing for a localized and cellular approach to power grid development, Klaus Mindrup suggests that Germany should consider emulating California's island networks, as well as exploring combined heat and power (CHP), battery technology, and locally connected energy storage solutions to foster a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy network, particularly for the renewable-energy industry.
- While a large, interconnected European power grid may seem appealing, the success of such a system hinges on sufficient energy storage capacity. Mindrup, however, cautions that relying on mutual stabilization and security without proper storage would lead to system failure, further emphasizing the need for locally-connected networks to facilitate renewable energy integration and ensure reliable, efficient energy flow.
