According to a report by news magazine Der Spiegel, Germany faced a surge in so-called re-dispatch measures in 2023 due to a lack of grid capacity. These measures, aimed at stabilizing the grid, often involve curtailing renewable power output, particularly when a sudden influx of renewable energy strains the grid.
Data from the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) revealed that approximately 19 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity were lost due to curtailments in 2023, a notable increase from 14 TWh in 2022. Despite the rise in curtailments, the costs associated with these measures decreased from 4.2 billion euros in 2022 to 3.1 billion euros in 2023.
The need for re-dispatch measures led to the throttling down of renewable power installations in certain regions, while fossil fuel power plants, particularly coal and gas-fired ones in western and southern Germany, had to compensate for the reduced output. The BNetzA highlighted that locating wind turbines far from energy consumption centers contributed to the high demand for re-dispatch measures, as long-distance power transmission lines faced significant strain.
Despite the increased need for grid stabilization, the article noted a reduction in costs, primarily attributed to the drop in energy prices following the spike caused by Russia’s conflict with Ukraine in 2022. It’s highlighted that conventional power stations, called upon by grid operators to produce extra power during re-dispatch, typically operate at costs higher than market prices.
Germany has been grappling with delays and disputes in expanding its power grid to accommodate the growing number of renewable energy installations. However, progress has been made, with the government overcoming key obstacles to expansion in recent years. In addition to expanding transmission capacity, the government is exploring alternative measures to ensure that renewable energy is utilized effectively rather than being curtailed.
