Ybbsfeld: New phase slide transformer strengthens the energy transition

Ybbsfeld: New phase slide transformer strengthens the energy transition

in Ybbsfeld, a district of St. Martin-Karlsbach in the Melk district, the transmission system operator Austria Power Grid (APG) put into operation a new phase slide transformer. This step represents significant progress in the implementation of the energy transition in Austria. The transformer is not only the hundredth of its kind in the entire Austrian power grid, but also enables more efficient integration of renewable energy sources.

The new transformer has an impressive weight of 900 tons and an output of 600 megavolta meadows (MVA). With an investment of 30 million euros, APG shows commitment to electricity security. Phase slide transformers are specially designed to control the current flow between different lines. This is particularly important to relieve the networks and to optimize the transport of electricity from wind power, photovoltaics and biomass.

functionality and meaning

The functionality of the phase slide transformer is particularly remarkable. As APG project manager Bernhard Joksch explains, the electrical energy can be flexibly diverted from the Ybbsfeld substation either to the west to the Ernsthofen substation or to the east to the Bisamberg substation. This is conveniently done by the central "Power Grid Control" in Vienna favorites. Such systems help to avoid impending bottlenecks in the power grid, both at regional and international level.

A total of seven phase slide transformers of this type have been in operation within the APG network, including locations such as Ternitz, Lienz and Nauders. The commissioning of the hundredth transformer is viewed by APG spokesman Christoph Schuh as an important milestone that supports security of supply during the current energy transition. APG's network development plan provides for the installation of further 65 transformers that are part of an extensive investment package of nine billion euros by 2034.

The introduction of such technologies shows the continuing efforts to optimize the infrastructure for future challenges in the field of energy supply and to promote the integration of renewable energies. Information on further developments in this area can be found here