Amprion, the Dortmund-based transmission system operator, and E.ON, Germany’s largest distribution system operator, have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their cooperation. In this way, the companies intend to make a joint contribution to the fundamental transformation of the energy system.
“We can only meet the increasingly complex challenges of the energy transition by collaborating across network operator boundaries. Jointly developing innovations, driving forward digitalization and optimizing processes are the key to a reliable and climate-friendly energy system of the future,” said E.ON’s COO – Networks, Thomas König.
E.ON – Amprion partnership
Amprion’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Hans-Jürgen Brick, said “The success of the energy transition will be decided at the interface between the transmission and distribution grids. We are convinced of the advantages of close cooperation between the different network levels. Our goal is to jointly get them ready for 2050.”
Collaboration between the high-voltage and extra-high-voltage networks has been established practice for some years. However, the energy transition requires further efforts across all network levels to also successfully integrate renewable energies. The partners are prepared to share developments, discuss them on a wider basis and work together to deliver further improvements.
Concepts for jointly used operating resources and assets
The two companies want to develop concepts for jointly used, innovative operating resources and assets
Cooperation between Amprion and E.ON covers three main areas, which will see the launch of a number of joint projects over the coming months. The two companies want to develop concepts for jointly used, innovative operating resources and assets. One example of this is a decentralized large battery storage systems, also known as ‘grid boosters’ among experts.
A further focus of the companies’ collaboration is network planning to ensure that the necessary expansion of the transmission and distribution networks is even more closely coordinated so that it can be delivered as safely and efficiently as possible.
Close cooperation in controlling the networks
And finally, the partners want to cooperate closely in controlling the networks and developing joint solutions. After all, with the end of nuclear energy in Germany in 2022 and the phasing out of coal by 2038 at the latest, electricity will have to be generated primarily from renewables, which poses new challenges for system stability.
E.ON and Amprion want to make a contribution to the ensuring the security of the German electricity grid.