Cable Protection Pipes for the Energy Transition

Pipe Systems are Crucial for Rapid Grid Expansion

Due to the German government’s decision to gradually phase out nuclear and coal power generation by 2038, the rapid expansion of Germany’s transmission grid is essential. For efficient expansion, the choice of the right pipe systems and connection technologies is a crucial success factor.

Currently, the share of renewable energies in Germany is 46%. By 2030, it is to be increased to 65%. In addition to the conversion of energy generation, the transport of electricity to consumers also poses a challenge. In the future, electricity cannot always be generated close to consumption. A large part of future wind energy will be generated in the North and Baltic Seas. To reconcile the increasing energy demand with climate goals and ensure security of supply, strong electricity grids designed for renewable energies are needed. According to the Grid Development Plan Electricity 2019–2030, the Federal Network Agency plans to build 3,600 additional kilometers of transmission lines by 2030. Part of the solution is expansion using High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission. The expansion plan includes three direct current routes that are to transport electricity from the north to the south: Südlink, Südostlink, A-Nord (Ultranet) and a planned fourth route. The corridor for the fourth direct current route is planned from Heide in Schleswig-Holstein via Wilhelmshaven to Polsum in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Germany’s Electricity Mix 2019 (Net)

Share of energy sources in net electricity generation in Germany.

Expansion Plan for HVDC Connections

A-Nord, Heide-Polsum, Südlink and Südostlink.

The “Power Protect” film shows which solutions egeplast offers to make the energy transition a success. In an expert interview, Erwin Behrends, an engineering service provider in the field of energy distribution and generation, explains how the transformation of the energy supply can be successfully achieved.

Dipl.-Ing. Erwin Behrends of B+ Ingenieur Gesellschaft mbH sums it up: “The use of pipe systems is a key factor in the rapid and sustainable expansion required for the energy transition. egeplast has recognised the market’s requirements and implemented them in innovative system solutions for all installation methods.”