E.ON has connected the two millionth renewable energy installation to its distribution network in Germany. The connection was made at Ahlum, between Braunschweig and Wolfenbüttel, and relates to a wind farm operated by SAB Windteam in the regional network area of E.ON subsidiary Avacon.Around 70% of the capacity of all onshore wind farms and nearly 50% of all photovoltaic installations in Germany are connected to E.ON’s regional distribution grid.
The total installed renewable generation capacity connected to E.ON’s German distribution network has reached about 110 GW, which exceeds Germany’s peak electricity demand of roughly 80 GW. The number of grid connections also remains high, with an average of one new connection completed every two minutes.
Over the past two years E.ON has invested nearly €10 billion in its German network business, primarily to support new renewable connections and modernisation of grid infrastructure. The company has also recruited around 6,000 additional employees for its energy network operations over the past five years.
E.ON’s distribution system operators are also expanding digital tools for grid connection processes. The SNAPpro digital self-service portal enables developers to obtain an initial, non-binding assessment for wind and photovoltaic installations with feed-in capacity of up to 100 MW. The system allows operators to check potential grid connection points and receive a preliminary assessment within seconds.
Further development of grid expansion rules and permitting procedures is expected to play a role in maintaining the pace of renewable energy connections and aligning grid development with the expansion of renewable generation.
