Influence of renewable energy sources on transmission networks in Central Europe

This paper focuses on the influence of increased wind and solar power production on the
transmission networks in Central Europe. To assess the exact impact on the
transmission grid, the direct current load flow model ELMOD is employed. Two
development scenarios for the year 2025 are evaluated on the basis of four
representative weeks. The first scenario focuses on the effect of Energiewende on the
transmission networks, the second one drops out nuclear phase-out and thus assesses
isolated effect of increased feed-in. The results indicate that higher feeding of solar and
wind power increases the exchange balance and total transport of electricity between
transmission system operator areas as well as the average load of lines and volatility of
flows. Solar power is identified as a key contributor to the volatility increase; wind power
is identified as a key loop-flow contributor. Eventually, it is concluded that German
nuclear phase-out does not significantly exacerbate mentioned problems.