German grid operator 50Hertz has unveiled its plans to deliver 100% renewable electricity in its service territory by 2032.
The “60 to 100 by 2032” initiative covers areas in eastern Germany and the city states of Berlin and Hamburg, where 50Hertz operates.
In 2019, the share of renewables in the transmission system operator’s grid was around 60% on average annually.
50Hertz will align its entire corporate strategy to meet the new goal and will use “all available knowhow for this within the framework of the legal requirements for safe and reliable network operation”.
This includes new approaches to system management, a digitalisation of the integration of an increasingly volatile electricity supply and participation in innovative models of sector coupling for the generation of heat and hydrogen from “green” electricity.
The TSO also wants to support the federal and state governments in developing suitable areas and potential for the use of wind and solar energy.
50Hertz chief executive Stefan Kapferer (pictured) said: “The restructuring of our electricity supply is entering a new phase.
“The previous parallel existence of a conventional fossil generation system and an energy system based on renewable energies is gradually coming to an end.
“In the future, wind and solar energy must also be able to provide system services. We want to decisively advance this transition and accelerate it.
“50Hertz is sending a clear climate signal, but above all an industrial policy signal: more and more companies know that the future belongs to renewables. And they want to focus their energy supply on this. We will support this process.”
Kapferer said a 100% renewable electricity system requires “considerable effort” not just by 50Hertz but also from politicians, business and society.
He said this includes, among other things, developing suitable areas for offshore wind power and incorporating them into area and network development plans without delay.
Kapferer also believes that there is additional potential for expanding onshore wind and solar energy.
KfW bank, which holds 20% of the shares in the 50Hertz’s parent company Eurogrid, also supports the new strategic approach.
Lutz-Christian Funke, KfW general secretary and member of the 50Hertz supervisory board, added: “Global challenges such as increasing global warming shape social and political discourse. They illustrate the need and urgency to drive change towards a sustainable society.
“It is therefore important that 50Hertz has set itself the goal of covering 100% of the electricity demand in its grid area from renewable energies – and thus making a concrete contribution to achieving Germany’s climate goals.”