Germany’s Bundesnetzagentur or Federal Network Authority has opened a public consultation on the second draft of the network development plan (NDP), outlining proposals for the expansion of Germany’s electricity grid through 2037 and 2045. The consultation process for the electricity grid expansion will remain open until 24th August 2026.
“A secure and reliable electricity supply, well interconnected with our European neighbours, is essential. At the same time, we need to keep a handle on costs. The Bundesnetzagentur is seeking to manage this balancing act in its latest proposal,” said Klaus Müller, President of the Bundesnetzagentur.
“It is necessary to further expand the extra-high voltage network in order to push ahead with the energy transition, ensure a continuously high level of security of supply and meet climate targets,” he added.
Under the draft plan, the transmission system operators (TSOs) submitted 159 proposed expansion measures. Following its evaluation, the Bundesnetzagentur has determined that 118 of those measures are currently eligible for confirmation. According to the agency, the remaining proposals do not presently make a sufficient contribution to the required upgrading of the transmission system. Of the measures under consideration, 76 are already included in the existing Federal Requirements Plan Act (BBPlG) or in the version currently undergoing revision. In addition, five projects initially scheduled only for the target year 2045 were reviewed against the requirements for 2037 and have been assessed as provisionally eligible for confirmation. These assessments form a central part of the broader electricity grid expansion strategy outlined in the draft plan.
The revised NDP also proposes up to eight additional offshore transmission links by 2037 to support the continued development of offshore wind energy. The Bundesnetzagentur considers these links necessary to meet the expansion targets established under the Offshore Wind Energy Act. Alongside these offshore developments, the consultation covers proposals for further interconnectors intended to strengthen the integration of the European energy supply network. It also includes plans for an additional high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line. Together, these proposals are intended to advance electricity grid expansion, improve cross-border connectivity, and support the future evolution of the electricity transmission system.
