50Hertz Transmission GmbH

50Hertz Transmission GmbH

Business Areas of 50Hertz

50Hertz is responsible for the operation, maintenance, planning, and expansion of the 380/220 kilovolt transmission grid throughout the northern and eastern part of Germany. Our grid covers an area larger than 109,360 km² and runs a length of approx. 9,840 km – the distance from Berlin to Rio de Janeiro. It is the technical backbone that reliably supplies power to more than 18 million people – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
We ensure stability

One of our core tasks is to keep the relationship between frequency and voltage stable within the permissible tolerances. Our workforce of 700 at 50Hertz see to the constant availability of electricity, low-cost electricity transport to consumption hotspots, and full integration of renewable electricity into the system. For this purpose, we develop the network in line with demand, and ensure close connections with our customers through our regional branches.

We promote the integration of renewable energies

High output volumes of renewable energies have made our service territory one of the largest electricity-exporting regions in Europe. By 2020, 30% of power generation in Germany is to be provided by renewable energies. Our system already takes up 40% of the wind power installed in Germany and in 2010, we started connecting the emerging offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea to the transmission system. Photovoltaic systems, too, are displaying exponential growth rates – a trend that appears to be lasting.

We strongly support the electricity market

50Hertz as a transmission system operator is actively operating on the EPEX electricity exchange, playing a significant role in enhancing the liquidity of the electricity market. Acting as a catalyst in this market, we provide for the interaction between market players and make transparent information available to all partners, thereby strengthening Germany as a location for business.

We are planning the system of the future

For your secure electricity supply, we are currently planning the construction of three new 380-kilovolt extra-high voltage overhead lines: The so-called "wind bus bar" from Schwerin in Mecklenburg- Western Pomerania to Hamburg, the "Uckermark line" that will take electricity from the Prenzlau area (in the state of Brandenburg) to Neuenhagen close to Berlin, and the "Thuringian electricity bridge" from Halle to Bavarian Schweinfurt.

We are connected with Europe

Its central position gives 50Hertz an important role in European electricity exchanges: Our company links the networks of Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic to Germany, and Scandinavia to the European mainland. We are a driver in developing European regional markets, especially in Northern and East Central Europe. Furthermore, 50Hertz is a reliable partner in the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, ENTSO-E.

Further information:
Website Elia
Website IFM

Data and Facts

50Hertz Transmission GmbH Grid
 
Power at distribution transformer level 32.390 MVA
Geographical area approx. 109.360 km2
Number of stations 75
Total grid length (aerial)
Voltage (kV) Length (km)
380 6.830
220 2.862
Total grid length (cable)
Voltage (kV) Length (km)
380 55
220 3
150 75
400 (HVDC) 15
Yearly output energy
Grid/transformer level [kWh]
EHV 59.034.069.238
Proportion EHV/ HV 53.464.138.458
As at 31 December 2011

Our commitment

Responsible action is the basis of our day-to-day work. However, we go beyond that: As a progressive transmission system operator, we actively and far-sightedly promote sustained climate protection measures and ensure due consideration of societal concerns. more

Cooperation ventures

The energy market brings numerous players together. Their interplay allows promising approaches to addressing future challenges – in the fields of renewable energies, climate and environmental protection, and harmonisation of the European electricity market. 50Hertz is aware of its civic tasks and responsibility towards the society, and cooperates closely with its partners. more

 

INFOBOX

The German transmission system

The rising demand for energy and the need to bridge increasing distances have over the decades required ever higher transmission voltages. Employing a range of voltages allows transport to be handled with a minimum of loss and maximum economic efficiency. High voltages are needed to bridge long distances and minimise transport losses. At the highest level, the supra-regional transmission grid, electricity is transmitted at extra-high voltages of 380 kV or 220 kV, across long distances from large-scale power plants connected to the extra-high-voltage system to centres of electricity use – including to European neighbours. The second level includes the distribution system operators of the regional electricity companies. They distribute electricity at a voltage of 110 kV in relatively large areas, where it is fed into the local networks: the low-voltage system. The various voltage levels are connected to one another via substations. Here, the voltage is transformed to higher or lower voltages.