Our Grid

Our 11,000 kilometre-long extra-high voltage grid transports electricity in an area from the North Sea to the Alps. One third of Germany's economic output is generated there. Our lines are the lifelines of society: they secure jobs and quality of life for 29 million people. We keep the grid stable and secure - and are paving the way for a climate-neutral energy system by expanding our grid.

Stability is our top priority

The area for which we are responsible – our so-called control area – is one of the largest and most energy-intensive regions in Europe. Millions of people live here, and there are also numerous industrial companies, some of which are directly connected to our grid. The requirements for system security, grid stability and transport capacity are correspondingly high. Our lines and more than 165 switching and transformer stations transport electrical energy at voltages of 220, 380 and, in future, 525 kilovolts over long distances – reliably, efficiently and around the clock. We bring together electricity from different forms of generation and transport it to where it is needed.

The energy transition is increasingly changing electricity flows: most renewable energy is now generated in the windy north of Germany, while many consumer centres are located further south and west. Our grid ensures that regional differences are balanced out and the entire system remains stable. Our offshore grid connection systems also contribute to this, enabling us to bring wind power from the North Sea ashore, feed it into our transmission grid and transport it further.

Our mission is clear: we operate the transmission grid safely in a changing energy system. At the same time, we are continuing to develop our infrastructure – flexibly, proactively and sustainably – to ensure a climate-neutral energy future.

The future? Let's build it.

Germany wants to become climate neutral by 2045 – and that includes a climate-neutral energy system. Power generation is shifting to wind and solar energy, whose feed-in varies greatly depending on the weather. At the same time, traditional power plants with important stabilising functions are being taken off the grid. To ensure that Germany achieves its climate targets and that electricity remains secure, reliable and affordable in the future, we are modernising our grid and expanding it in line with demand.

We are investing a total of €36.4 billion in reinforcing or building new power lines covering a length of 9,300 kilometres. In addition, we are integrating innovative technologies such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, reactive power compensation systems, converters and the planned new grid control system in Brauweiler into the transmission grid.