GERMANY -- Transmission system operator 50Hertz, a subsidiary of Elia Group, has commissioned a new substation near the town of Altdöbern in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district.

The new substation in Altdöbern includes two high-performance 380/110 kV transformers and five switchgear bays with busbars through which the electricity is distributed across the different lines.

The station was constructed in the woodland along the route of the existing 380 kV line which connects Preilack and Streumen. This choice of location was necessary because more and more photovoltaic installations and wind turbines in the region are feeding electricity into the Mitnetz distribution system, where it is transformed into extra-high voltage and transported across the area.

"The Lusatia region is increasingly becoming a region of low-carbon energy and industry. At 50Hertz, we want to contribute to the success of this transformation process and have invested approximately €40 million ($47 million) in Altdöbern to meet the greater demand for electricity from renewable energy sources in this region," said Dr Frank Golletz, CTO of 50Hertz.

Over the next five years, 50Hertz will expand 19 of its substations and build three new ones across its entire grid area. The investment needed for such work is likely to amount to $677 million, the company said in a press release.

Source: 50Hertz