Redispatch 2.0: New Requirements and New Opportunities for Distribution Grid Operators

What is Redispatch?

Redispatch refers to interventions in the generation output of power plants to prevent overloads in specific transmission or transformer sections. When grid a congestion is imminent, power plants are instructed to increase or decrease their output, thereby generating a counteracting load flow that relieves pressure on the critical section.

What is Redispatch 2.0?

Redispatch 2.0 represents a new regulatory framework introduced through the Grid Expansion Acceleration Act (NABEG 2.0), merging the traditional redispatch process and feed-in management.

Since October 1, 2021, all conventional and renewable energy plants with an installed capacity above 100 kW, as well as all distribution system operators (DSOs), are required to participate in Redispatch 2.0.

The goal is to proactively and coordinately prevent grid bottlenecks before they occur. Redispatch 2.0 also aims to reduce the overall costs associated with conventional redispatch and feed-in management, which in turn helps to lower grid grid usage fees.

Why Does Redispatch 2.0 Primarily Concern DSOs?

Distribution grids are at the forefront of the energy transition. With the rapid expansion of PV systems, wind turbines, and controllable consumers such as heat pumps and EV chargers, grids are becoming increasingly dynamic and complex.  

Redispatch 2.0 assigns a critical role to DSOs: 

• orecasting feed-in and loads using standardized data formats (e.g., MaBiS, DA/RE) 

• Coordinating and executing redispatch actions down to the low-voltage level 

• Implementing measures via market-based or technical control mechanisms

Meeting the new Redispatch 2.0 requirements often demands a robust and up-to-date digital grid model.

This model must interface with external data sources such as market players, balancing group managers, and operational managers. Digital platforms like envelio’s Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP) enable DSOs to automatically generate, update, and synchronize these models with current data.

Based on accurate forecasts, potential grid congestions are identified and assessed.

Subsequently, appropriate mitigation actions must be planned, including:  

• Day-ahead and intraday security analyses

• Identification of affected assets

• Selection of suitable generation units for redispatch based on cost-effectiveness and grid impact

The Redispatch 2.0 Process

This process typically involves close coordination between transmission system operators (TSOs) and DSOs and includes multiple steps:

• Forecasting of load and generation
• Grid simulation to identify potential bottlenecks
• Action planning and dispatch of control commands to affected assets
• Monitoring and feedback on the implemented measures