This important step in overall system planning must be followed by others; only then is a secure energy transition possible.
Vienna (OTS) – The ÖNIP (Austrian integrated network development plan) is an important piece of the puzzle for a sustainable and secure energy system of the future. The ÖNIP clearly shows the overarching need for coordination for the success of the energy transition. The aim of the ÖNIP is to provide a clear, cross-sector picture of the capacity requirements for the future Austrian energy system, which will be decarbonized by 2040.
APG expressly welcomes the publication of the ÖNIP by the BMK. This implements the legal obligation of a holistic, cross-sector analysis of the expected energy flows, including their capacity requirements. This ÖNIP defines clear and framework-setting foundations or premises for the downstream approval procedures. In addition, the ÖNIP confirms the energy industry necessity of the APG network development measures until 2034 and thus makes these beyond dispute in the subsequent approval procedures. This also confirms the public interest in all APG investment projects. In addition, however, it will be important to achieve further acceleration through improved framework conditions for project implementation.
“The energy transition is a mammoth task that can only be successful with overall system planning throughout Austria. APG has been calling for this for years: only then will it be possible to align, plan and build the power grid to the energy economic and local needs of a sustainable energy system. The current power grid cannot cope with the capacity requirements of the future. We are already seeing every day that the lack of coordination to implement the energy transition is leading to undesirable and costly undesirable developments. This is reflected in the high need for redispatch, delayed integration of renewables and the lack of availability of inexpensive electricity for Austria,” says Gerhard Christiner, technical director of APG.
With the ÖNIP, the next necessary step of systemically coordinated detailed planning coordinated with network expansion at all levels of the energy system (production, electricity and gas infrastructure, energy storage, mobility, digital platforms for the integration of all actors into the energy system) has been taken. APG is already implementing these requirements in its own planning processes and ensuring that the required coordination is achieved. “Only with a high-capacity network infrastructure can we create a secure energy transition, achieve Austria’s climate and energy goals and give Austria as a business location access to inexpensive electricity,” says Christiner.
Framework conditions for network expansion are crucial
“The current power grid is not yet prepared for the challenges of a climate-neutral energy future. Our investment plan of nine billion euros by 2034 is a first step – but the expansion requirements by 2040 will be many times that. In order to make these investments effective, changing framework conditions, acceptance of electricity infrastructure at all levels of society and coordinated implementation of all projects relevant to the energy industry are required. This is the only way the energy transition can take place in a secure and cost-efficient manner,” says Thomas Karall, commercial director of APG.
APG demands that the expansion of the network infrastructure be given top priority and once again reinforces the call for the implementation of the APG five-point program for a secure energy transition:
- Secured financing through a modern regulatory system
- Fast track approvals for the expansion of the transmission network – ElWG and EABG resolutions
- Coordinated overall system planning and coordinated implementation (storage, network, production, reserves, use of the latest digital platform technologies)
- Protection of planning and existing roads
- Equip the authorities with sufficient resources
The most important building blocks for achieving these goals are the currently prepared legislative initiatives for the re-codification of electricity law through the ElWG (Electricity Industry Act) and the procedural acceleration instruments through the EABG (Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act). The immediate adoption of these laws is a prerequisite so that the ÖNIP can be implemented quickly in the projects. If this does not succeed, infrastructure projects will be further delayed. This endangers Austria and Europe as a business location. Karall: “We are in the biggest phase of change in the energy industry since the liberalization of the electricity market. Those countries that master this enormous challenge quickly and best will have enormous locational advantages for industry, commerce and society in the future. That is why we demand that the necessary laws – the ElWG and EABG – be passed immediately.”
Only if we succeed in fundamentally improving these legal and economic framework conditions for investments in the networks can the transformation to secure supply and thus the integration of renewables take place. Without a high-capacity electricity infrastructure, all investments in other areas of the energy system are ineffective. This must be avoided due to energy and economic requirements in the interests of Austria being a successful business and living location.
About Austrian Power Grid (APG)
As an independent transmission network provider, Austrian Power Grid (APG) is responsible secure power supply Austria. With our powerful and digital electricity infrastructure, as well as the application of State-of-the-art-Technologien We integrate renewable energies, are a platform for the electricity market, create access to inexpensive electricity for Austria’s consumers and thus form the basis for a secure supply and sustainable business and living location. The APG network extends over a route length of around 3,500 km, which the company operates and maintains with a team of around 850 specialists and continuously meets the increasing requirements of the electrification of society, economy and industry. A large part of the 67 substations distributed throughout Austria are operated remotely via the control center in Vienna’s 10th district. In 2023, thanks to the committed employees, the security of supply was once again at 99.99 percent, making it one of the best in the world. Our investments amount to 445 million euros in 2024 (2023: 490 million, 2022: 370 million euros). Economic engine and an essential building block for achieving Austria’s climate and energy goals. APG will invest a total of around 9 billion euros in network expansion and conversion by 2034.
Questions & Contact:
Austrian Power Grid AG
Mag. Christoph Schuh
Leitung Corporate Communications & Reputation
Management/company spokesperson
+43 50 320 56230
christoph.schuh@apg.at
www.apg.at