Future-proof electricity: network construction and PV systems in the Waidhofen district

Future-proof electricity: network construction and PV systems in the Waidhofen district

In the district of Waidhofen/Thaya, an important meeting has gathered in order to discuss the current status and future of the power grid in this region. At this meeting there were experts from the NÖ NÖ, the Energy and Environment Agency Lower Austria (EnU) and various community representatives. The aim was to take a closer look at the upcoming expansion of the power grid and to discuss the role of renewable energies such as photovoltaics.

at the end of 2023 over 2,600 photovoltaic systems with a total output of almost 40,000 kWp were installed in the district. This means an impressive increase of 60 percent compared to the previous year. This development clearly shows how important self -power supply has become for citizens. Christian Schirmer, the head of the NÖ NECHENERING network engineering, found that the increasing use of renewable energies presents the existing power grid with new challenges. "Consumer behavior changes; many people are now adapting their electricity consumption to the times of energy generation," he said.

energy communities and self -consumption

Another interesting point of the discussion was the energy associations, which are to play an increasingly important role in the energy sector in the future. In his lecture, Daniel Berger from the Enu emphasized that new photovoltaic systems in households should be increasingly aligned. In terms of cost efficiency, Eduard Köck, chairman of the Thayaland future area, emphasized: "Every kilowatt hour that is generated itself and which is not obtained from the network is the cheapest energy."

In order to meet future requirements, Netz Lower Austria has presented a network development plan for 2024 that provides for the construction of a new substation in Karlstein. This system will include both high and medium-voltage systems and contain two 110/20 KV transformers. In addition, the construction of a 110 kV double line between Groß Siegharts and the new substation in Karlstein is planned, which will include a distance of around 8.5 kilometers. The commissioning of these important infrastructure projects is planned for 2030.

For the existing substation in Waidhofen, extensive renovation work is also intended in order to increase the capacity of the network and bring the meter technology up to date. This includes the exchange of existing switchgear and the construction of three new clamps, with a planned commissioning in 2029.

This measure is a crucial step to make the region future -proof and to meet the requirements of increasing electricity consumption, in particular through the expansion of renewable energies. This development could also help promote further progress in self -electricity production and energy communities.

The topics of the conference reflect the urgency with which the region has to tackle the challenges of the energy transition. The focus is clearly on a sustainable and cost -efficient energy supply for all citizens in the Waidhofen district and around it. These steps are essential in order to not only meet the current needs, but also to ensure a future -proof energy supply. Further information on these developments can be found here .