Power Play: Politician Calls for Nationalization of Electricity Grid

[sysop]

Germany urgently needs to expand and update its power grid to meet its goal of phasing out nuclear energy and going green, but development appears to have short circuited. A member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet is calling for a radical change: the partial nationalization of the grid.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...-a-877576.html

[mikeparr]

As a power engineering I have often wondered at the fragnmentation of Germany's transmission system. Still, until the arrival of large-scale renewables it worked. Given current circumstances the case for nationalisation is growing and as a minimum would bring coherence to network reinforcement.

However, I am puzzled that, as a first step, network operators are not using what already exists. DENA undertook a number of studies (published in 2009) on network reinforcement options. Since them, technology has moved on. Relatively easy & low cost options include "dynamic line rating" (equipment from a Belgium company) which would enable existing lines to operate at up to 200% of their rated capacity. Another option would be reconductoring of overhead lines with new o/h conductor from Nexans (which allows another at least doubling of capacity.

I'd suggest that recondutoring and dynamic line rating taken together could fairly quickly up capacity on existing lines by 250 to 300%. This raises the question: have any of the current TSOs looked at these technologies? Do the current TSOs have the capacity (i.e. people) to consider such technology?

One thing is for sure, if the German TSOs cannot get a grip on the problems, nationalisation and a more aggresive approach to network reinforcement is needed. I'd also suggest that using the latest technology to get the most out of existing lines makes both engineering and economic sense.