Network inquiries digitally and at the push of a button - E.DIS takes the first step

They are often a very big nuisance of the necessary network inquiries before a solar system can enter the network. These are not only opaque, but often take a painfully long time. The often heavily criticized network operator E.DIS AG takes a strong first step towards a digitized network request at the push of a button.

Annoyance network requests

Although all renewable energy systems have the right to be connected to the grid, this is often a long way off or is always refused even for small systems. It often also takes a painfully long time to answer a network request from the responsible distribution system operator. Although the EEG does not specify an exact time, network operators often specify a duration of eight weeks for answering an inquiry. Even this deadline is often not met and questions about the disclosure of computing data often go unanswered. Very long and complicated when you consider that many medium-sized solar systems could be built within a few days. And both sales processes and final plans hang in the air until the grid connection is established.

E.DIS Digital

At the Conexio network conference, the management board of the distribution network operator E.DIS had already announced at the beginning of the year that the first statements would be made online and in real time in the future. Linked to the goal of digitizing the entire process over the next few years to the extent that information can be obtained online immediately and the connections are then assigned immediately.

The basis for this is a digital representation of the networks and their current load conditions. The result is now online for a few weeks for generating plants in the medium-voltage grid (i.e. depending on the grid from 300 kVA inverter connected load). If still a kind of "beta", this is a big step forward and a strong sign of what can be achieved with the digitization of the networks. Mains connection monitor

It is also encouraging to see that a very controversial network operator like E.DIS is now embarking on this path. E.DIS is often perceived in the industry as very belligerent when it comes to the recognition of compensation, for example. The processes for network connections or technical coordination were also often criticized. E.DIS replies that they cannot accept any responsibility for the patchwork of remuneration elements based on the EEG. The E.DIS network was once largely built only for sparsely populated areas and now has to be converted into an extreme net exporter of electricity. This network area has long been a net exporter in terms of renewable energy. With the introduction of the network connection monitor, among other things, E. DIS management make it clear that they want to take this path actively, despite all the chaos from the EEG and problems with the network expansion and conversion. Let`s see that as a positive outlook.

Network issues remain difficult and driving

Grid expansion and conversion (including full digitization) remain a major issue in the medium term. In addition to the necessary discussions about the very large routes, pipelines and all other facilities for wind or solar systems have to be built upshore. And that`s often a gauntlet run for everyone involved. Plus, of course, refusal to accept the network operators or sometimes unrealistic ideas on the other side. It remains to be seen what acceleration the NABEG (network expansion acceleration law) brings. At the same time, requirements in the EEG must be sharpened in good time and, of course, better match the incentive regulations of the natural network monopolies. It must finally be recognized that the feed-in power will increase to several hundred GWp if you take the energy transition seriously. While millions of car batteries want to be charged at the same time, they bring the necessary storage "free" as an opportunity. Everything is fully digitized with rapidly changing technology (e.g. transformers in large solar systems in the medium voltage range will disappear in the next 10 years because the power electronics will provide the high voltages directly). This task will put a great deal of strain on all players in the energy industry - and that will only be possible with better cooperation. With appropriate regulators who are really up to the task - which I currently have strong doubts about. as an opportunity, however, bring the necessary storage "free". Everything is fully digitized with rapidly changing technology (e.g. transformers in large solar systems in the medium voltage range will disappear in the next 10 years because the power electronics will provide the high voltages directly). This task will put a great deal of strain on all players in the energy industry - and that will only be possible with better cooperation. With appropriate regulators who are really up to the task - which I currently have strong doubts about. as an opportunity, however, bring the necessary storage "free". Everything is fully digitized with rapidly changing technology (e.g. transformers in large solar systems in the medium voltage range will disappear in the next 10 years because the power electronics will provide the high voltages directly). This task will put a great deal of strain on all players in the energy industry - and that will only be possible with better cooperation. With appropriate regulators who are really up to the task - which I currently have strong doubts about. transformers in large solar systems in the medium voltage should disappear in the next 10 years because the power electronics will provide the high voltages directly). This task will put a great deal of strain on all players in the energy industry - and that will only be possible with better cooperation. With appropriate regulators who are really up to the task - which I currently have strong doubts about. transformers in large solar systems in the medium voltage should disappear in the next 10 years because the power electronics will provide the high voltages directly). This task will put a great deal of strain on all players in the energy industry - and that will only be possible with better cooperation. With appropriate regulators who are really up to the task - which I currently have strong doubts about.

Can`t things get better together?

But you can do better if you want. And simply replace “brakeman” at one point or another and replace it with “doer”. "Of all places, E.DIS" digitally shows the first step to "do better" with the network connection monitor. It is also important to do this in the “real” processes and the culture of disputes. In order to maintain better political and normative framework conditions together with all those involved.