Check grid compatibility automatically

Increasing grid load destabilizes the power grid

The rapid expansion of distributed energy resources – especially PV systems, heat pumps, and charging stations – is increasing pressure on distribution system operators. New peak loads and the increasing amount of renewable energy that is fed into the grid have a direct impact on grid reserves. What's especially critical:

Rising number of connection requests, increasing the workload significantly
High peak loads due to volatile feed-in and dynamic electricity pricing
High number of participants in a grid due to localized increase in new connections, driven, for example, by neighborhood trends

As a result, the impacts of connection requests on the grid now have to be examined much more thoroughly in order to prevent bottlenecks. The following aspects make the connection request process of today more complex:

Slow grid state evaluation processes and persistently high manual workload 
Lack of clarity due to the missing overview of approved connection requests that have not yet been implemented
Insufficient transparency regarding available grid capacities, especially in low voltage grids

Considering these inefficiencies as well as limited staffing capacities, appropriate examinations are usually carried out only for larger participants (e.g. > 30 kW). Smaller participants usually undergo a highly simplified examination, e.g. in the form of estimations. However, this insufficient technical evaluation only exacerbates existing problems in the connection process.

Automated testing for grid compatibility to speed up the process

A smart solution not only speeds up the connection request, but also identifies bottlenecks early on: This way, the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP) helps grid operators standardize and digitize their connection processes — including grid compitability testing, cost estimates, and the identification of potential grid connection points. What that means in practice:

Direct API interface: Automatic upload of all connection requests

Intelligent search for suitable grid connections: Identification of potential grid connection points

Automated grid compatibility testing: Grid-related evaluation based on power flow calculations

Automated approval: Approval of feasible requests and instant feedback (optional)

Convenient reservation management: Considering all approved requests in future connection requests

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Reservation management for planned projects

Grid operators often have to plan grid capacities even before new plants have been built. That’s exactly where the IGP helps:

Approved but not yet implemented connection projects can be added as their own layer in the model – just like planned grid expansion measures. Instead of being maintained in separate tools, reservations and planned measures flow directly into the model, where they can be taken into account alongside other projects.

This provides transparency, prevents double reservations, and turns the grid model into a tool for truly forward-looking planning.

Success figures from practice

At FairNetz GmbH, 99 % of connection requests for PV systems and 60 % of connection requests for charging stations can now be calculated and approved automatically right away — thanks to the IGP.
On average, typical grid planning processes can be carried out 20 times faster using the IGP.
Currently, more than 50 distribution system operators use the IGP for their connection processes — and the number keeps growing.
Last year, a total of 119,780 automated connection requests were processed using the IGP. That is an average of 2,260 requests per week.

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Conclusion: Future-proof grid management

With staffing shortages, a growing number of connection requests, and a constantly rising energy demand, manual evaluation of connection requests is no longer enough to identify and prevent bottlenecks in time. That is exactly where the IGP steps in. Our fully automated connection request lets grid operators carry out precise evaluations of grid compatibility. Grid operators benefit from shorter processing times, more transparency and higher precision throughout the entire connection process, laying the foundation for a successful energy transition.

Also interesting:

Case Study: E.DIS

Digital and automated connection process

The major German DSO E.DIS Netz GmbH accelerates the previously manual evaluation process for new connections by a complete process integration of the Intelligent Grid Platform. In addition, E.DIS has implemented an online portal based on the Intelligent Grid Platform. Without input from a grid planner, potential customers can obtain an initial assessment of the best possible grid connection point for their planned assets.

Download this case study

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Case Study: FairNetz

Improved data quality through higher grid transparency

This case study invites us to follow up on the progress of the implementation of the Intelligent Grid Platform at FairNetz. The electricity network operator leverages the improved data quality to speed up the processing of grid connection requests. For instance, 50 % of all requests for new connections are assessed positively in under 5 minutes. Additionally, FairNetz relies on the IGP as its “Single Source of Truth” for analyzing the grid participant structure, aiming to further improve the data basis for the calculation logic and create a foundation for sound grid expansion investments.

Download this case study

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Contact person

Dr. Tobias Falke
VP Global Sales & Marketing

For a faster and more transparent connection process

Detect and prevent bottlenecks early on