Network development planning
Network development planning will be facing many key challenges in the next few years such as the coal phaseout and ambitious expansion targets for renewable energy. There is also focus on the transformation from a natural gas system to a hydrogen network as well as ensuring system stability and security of supply for electricity and gas.
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On 30 April 2025 the Bundesnetzagentur approved both of the scenario frameworks for electricity and gas/hydrogen 2025-2037/2045.
Current scenario framework for electricity (available in German)
Current scenario framework for gas/hydrogen (available in German)
For this purpose the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) requires network development plans, which have to be drawn up by the electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) and the gas TSOs/the regulated hydrogen transmission network operators.
The plans must include all effective measures for the needs-based and efficient optimisation, reinforcement and expansion of the networks. The plans’ reference periods are at least 10 years in the future. This aims to ensure that the networks can be operated reliably and safely while also attaining the goal of climate neutrality by 2045.
The overarching transformation of the energy system requires coordinated planning for the electricity and gas/hydrogen sectors. For this reason the processes are chronologically synchronised and the Bundesnetzagentur ensures that the processes are sufficiently consistent with regard to content. In formal terms these are two separate planning processes.
The network development planning process
The Bundesnetzagentur plays a decisive role in this process. It closely coordinates with the electricity transmission system operators and the coordination office for the gas and hydrogen network development planning and reviews the scenario framework and the network development plan (NDP) created by the network operators.
Process
- The TSOs and the KO.NEP submitted their draft scenario frameworks to the Bundesnetzagentur for approval.
- The Bundesnetzagentur examined and consulted on the drafts. It approved the scenario frameworks, taking account of the consultation results.
- The electricity TSOs and the gas TSOs/the regulated hydrogen transmission network operators use the approved scenario frameworks to draw up initial drafts of the network development plans. They consult on the drafts with the public.
- Following the consultation the second drafts are drawn up and presented to the Bundesnetzagentur for confirmation.
- The Bundesnetzagentur then also holds a consultation.
- The Bundesnetzagentur confirms the network development plans, taking account of its own review and the consultation results.