Germany

Scope

Together for a sustainable energy future in Europe

Our energy system will have to continue to integrate large amounts of volatile and fluctuating renewable energy, most of which is connected to the distribution grid. At the same time, more and more participants are entering the energy market. Both companies and individuals are transforming from consumers to prosumers, constantly changing roles; sometimes they need energy, sometimes they have some to spare. As a result, the system is becoming more complex, and currently far too much of this renewable energy is being wasted because the grid cannot absorb it at the right time.

The European-funded EUniversal project is tackling this challenge. Together with 18 partners from 7 European countries, E.ON and MITNETZ STROM in the German demonstrator are developing solutions to enable the integration of renewables into the energy system on a large scale. The aim is to enable grid customers to participate in flexibility markets and to provide distribution system operators (DSOs) with flexibilities for their active system management. A win-win situation for both the grid and customers.

Main Goals

“Flexibilities out of the region for the region” – Intelligent energy supply with local, environmentally friendly and efficient measures.
Testing of flexibility markets as an alternative to grid expansion
Active integration of consumers in congestion management and thus rewarding grid-serving behaviour instead of curtailment
Improved efficiency through digital systems
Development of algorithms for grid status analysis in grids with low metering density

Presentation of the demo leader MITNETZ STROM

As the largest distribution grid operator in eastern Germany, we manage an electricity grid that, with a length of over 73,000 km, reaches almost twice around the earth. Modern and efficient. We consistently implement legal and regulatory requirements and ensure non-discriminatory electricity grid operation for all market partners. Fair and independent. We secure the electricity supply for over 2.2 million people in Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Reliable and competent.

Our Grid in Numbers

(Status: 31.12.2019)

What is planned for the Field Test?

Informative letter to residents from the pilot regions
Equipping cable distribution cabinets and local grid stations with sensors to improve state estimation forecasts
Approximately one-year field test in 2022/23 with volunteers from the pilot regions
Installation of a home energy management system and integration of flexible applications
Indication of flexibility of applications via an app or website
Test of the effectiveness of the local flexibility market under different scenarios

You own flexible assets such as batteries, heat storage, heat pumps or PV systems and are interested to participate in innovative topics? Then get in touch at: stromnetzderzukunft@mitnetz-strom.de or via our contact form.

Technologies used in the German demonstrator

Grid Processes (E.ON/MITNETZ STROM)

The DSO shares measurement, forecast and grid data for the smart grid tools (b-f) and deploys the system architecture for the development work within the demonstrator

LV Congestion Forecasting (VITO)

Statistical power flow based tool that uses stochastics and AI techniques to calculate day-ahead the risk for congestion, per feeder and transformer as well as the available headroom

Data-driven State Estimation (INESC TEC)

Provides a real-time snapshot of the low voltage network, comprising voltage magnitudes and active power injections

LV flexibility needs assessment tool (KU LEUVEN)

Calculates the temporal and locational flexibility needs of a distribution grid in a day-ahead setting while reducing network imbalances

Optimal Bid Recommender (N-SIDE)

The Market-clearing engine will determine optimal bids to select from the flexibility market in order to resolve the grid congestions with a minimal cost

Universal Market Enabling Interface (E-REDES)

Offers an open, adaptable and modular approach to interlink active system management with electricity markets and foster the provision of flexibility services

Flexibility Market Platform (NODES)

Serves as a communication and trading environment for buyers and sellers of flexibility, where the price is determined by supply and demand

Interaction of Assets (CENTRICA)

In order to provide flexibility, the Flexibility Service Provider needs to interact with each flexible asset. This interaction is done with a local communication interface between the device and a home energy management gateway

February 2020

M01

Kick-off EUniversal Project
October 2021

M21

Information events in the municipalities
Q1/2022

M25

Field test contracts
Q1 2022

M24

Installation of HEMS & Start of Field Test
July 2023

M42

End EUniversal Project

FAQ

The start of the field test is planned for Q2/2022 and should run for about a year. As some preparatory measures are still planned, a specific date cannot yet be given.

The field test is taking place in selected LV grids of MITNETZ STROM in Falkenberg/Elster (Brandenburg), Dittersbach near Frankenberg and Brandis (both Saxony). The citizens of selected regions were informed before the start of the field test.

Citizens of the pilot areas who have compatible flexible resources such as batteries, heat pumps, electric vehicles and are interested in innovative topics can take part in the field test.

A general overview can be found on the website of the HEMS manufacturer. Checking the compatibility of the exact device types is carried out by the colleagues at MITNETZ STROM. A detailed check of the compatibility of the exact device types is carried out by MITNETZ STROM.

MITNETZ STROM provides an energy management system free of charge for all participants from the selected pilot grids. With this equipment, you can control smart home applications, among other things, and are a forerunner, provided that the demonstrated concepts are implemented in market-ready products in the future. You will also help us to test new concepts for a successful energy transition.

All participants receive contact information of a support hotline in the contract, which records possible errors, offers initial solutions or arranges the error correction by the technical specialists.

We are happy to answer any further questions at stromnetzderzukunft@mitnetz-strom.de