Full distribution grid digitalization and modernization of 250 substations to support the second phase of the energy transition
Westnetz, Germany's largest distribution grid operator, announced its 2026 grid expansion plan and said it would build, upgrade or replace more than 21,000km of transmission and distribution lines by 2030. The plan was developed to modernize grids in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, parts of Lower Saxony and Hesse. Over the same period, approximately 250 substations will be refurbished to meet current technical standards, while more than 30,000 local distribution substations will be upgraded or replaced with the introduction of measurement and remote-control technology. The central objective is to digitally visualize 100% of the distribution grid under its jurisdiction, creating an extensive data foundation for optimizing system operations. The measures address a central challenge of the second phase of the energy transition: intelligently connecting generation, consumption and storage alongside the expansion of renewable energy.
Growth in data center and electric vehicle power demand in Westnetz's service area
Westnetz's analysis shows a pronounced surge in new electricity consumers and distributed energy resources. Growth in data centers and electric mobility is particularly strong. Data center power demand is forecast to rise nearly ninefold, from 217MW in 2024 to 1,912MW in 2030. Power requirements for electric mobility are also expected to increase more than eightfold over the same period, from 1,783MW to 14,963MW. Solar generation capacity is expected to nearly double, from approximately 10,800MW to around 22,000MW. The increase in distributed generation and the expansion of new large electricity consumers are placing unprecedented pressure on distribution infrastructure within a few years.
Westenergie's grid investment and management's implementation strategy
Robert Denda, chief executive and chief technology officer of Westenergie, said the plan clearly demonstrated the enormous infrastructure challenge facing the company. Denda emphasized that planning alone does not create connection capacity and that physical grid expansion must be combined with technical upgrades through high-performance lines, modern substations and digital distribution substations. Since its establishment in October 2020, the Westenergie group has invested approximately €4.5 billion in regulated electricity and gas networks to expand and digitalize infrastructure. Total annual investment nearly doubled from €775 million in 2020 to more than €1.4 billion in 2025.
Details of the long-term grid expansion roadmap through 2045
Under its long-term roadmap through 2045, Westnetz will undertake extensive refurbishment and expansion involving approximately 63,000km of power lines, more than 700 substations and approximately 40,000 local distribution substations. All work will be carried out on a large scale while the network remains energized without interrupting electricity supply, making it essential to maintain system stability and supply reliability throughout. The infrastructure overhaul follows the NOVA principle of grid optimization, grid reinforcement and grid expansion. This strategy prioritizes the use of existing capacity based on measurement data before installing new lines.
Regional drivers of grid expansion
The reasons for grid reinforcement differ distinctly according to regional industrial characteristics. In northeastern North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and southern Lower Saxony, grid connection for wind and solar generation is the main driver. In the Ruhr industrial region, which has a concentration of heavy industry, industrial electrification, electric vehicle charging and heat pump adoption are driving expansion. Industrial processes and data centers create additional loads in the Rhineland and southwestern North Rhine-Westphalia, while electricity consumption by large data centers is the main driver of expansion in southern Hesse.
Legal status of distribution grid planning and next steps under the Energy Industry Act
The plan was prepared on a two-year cycle under Section 14d of Germany's Energy Industry Act (EnWG). It is based on the Western Regional Scenario, which reflects the government's climate policy targets. However, the individual projects listed in the report do not constitute immediate construction or investment commitments. Implementation will proceed in stages depending on actual consumption and generation trends, the regulatory environment and the receipt of approvals. The full report will be published on VNBdigital, a specialist distribution grid platform.
Original Korean article: 2news.co.kr
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
