Process and players

The Network Development Plan Electricity is updated every two years according to the same principle – thereby challenging the previous findings of grid planning on a regular basis. This is to ensure that the NDP keeps pace with the latest technical, political and social requirements. Use our interactive graphic to gain an overview of how the different stakeholders manage the task of nationwide grid planning.

Fundamentals

The Energy Industry Act (EnWG) regulates the entire process of grid expansion at transmission grid level – from planning to review to approval, including all participation procedures.

With the reform of the EnWG in December 2023, the transmission system operators (TSOs) will no longer be obliged to submit an implementation report to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), which previously provided information on the progress or delays in grid development measures.

The process flow

every 2 years

We are here:

Creating the Scenario Framework

Transmission system operators

Creating the Scenario Framework

To ensure that the transmission grid can cope with future developments, the transmission system operators create various scenarios for an electricity system in the coming years. They do this by gathering information and data from many different institutions and process participants. The TSOs submit the draft scenario framework to the BNetzA.

Process responsibility
Transmission system operators

The four German transmission system operators (TSOs) operate and plan the transmission grid in Germany. At the highest voltage levels, the network transports electricity over long distances from generators to consumers – even across federal borders.

Scenario Framework consultation

BNetzA
Public & system operators

Scenario Framework consultation

The BNetzA involves the public in the draft of the scenario framework. It then reviews it and can make adjustments to the content. With the approval of the scenario framework, the BNetzA establishes the binding basis for grid planning.

Process responsibility
BNetzA

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is Germany’s central infrastructure authority headquartered in Bonn. In particular, it ensures the support of competition in energy, telecommunications, postal services and railways. It forms part of the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Stakeholders consulted
Public & system operators

Stakeholders from the energy sector, business, science, research, environmental protection and citizens should work together to ensure that the energy transition succeeds.

Preparation of the first NDP draft

Transmission system operators

Preparation of the first NDP draft

The TSOs will formulate a first draft of the Network Development Plan Electricity (NDP). In the NDP, the TSOs describe how they use data from the scenario framework to examine where the current transmission grid needs to be improved in order to secure the supply of electricity in the future. The TSOs identify when and where transmission demand would exceed transport capacities and which measures would provide a remedy.

Process responsibility
Transmission system operators

The four German transmission system operators (TSOs) operate and plan the transmission grid in Germany. At the highest voltage levels, the network transports electricity over long distances from generators to consumers – even across federal borders.

Consultation for the first draft

Transmission system operators
Public & system operators

Consultation for the first draft

The TSOs publish the first draft of the NDP and involve the public. During the consultation period, anyone can submit written comments on the draft Network Development Plan. Comments containing corrections or improvements to the NDP are examined by the experts and incorporated where applicable. The proposed projects are not the subject of the consultation.

Process responsibility
Transmission system operators

The four German transmission system operators (TSOs) operate and plan the transmission grid in Germany. At the highest voltage levels, the network transports electricity over long distances from generators to consumers – even across federal borders.

Stakeholders consulted
Public & system operators

Stakeholders from the energy sector, business, science, research, environmental protection and citizens should work together to ensure that the energy transition succeeds.

Revision of the first draft and preparation of the second draft

Transmission system operators

Revision of the first draft and preparation of the second draft

All submissions from the consultation are reviewed with regard to their relevance and the NDP is revised based on the findings. Finally, the TSOs submit the second draft to the BNetzA.

Process responsibility
Transmission system operators

The four German transmission system operators (TSOs) operate and plan the transmission grid in Germany. At the highest voltage levels, the network transports electricity over long distances from generators to consumers – even across federal borders.

Review of the second draft with public consultation, preparation of the environmental report with public participation, approval of the NDP

BNetzA
Public & system operators

Review of the second draft with public consultation, preparation of the environmental report with public participation, approval of the NDP

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) examines the second draft of the Network Development Plan and releases it for public consultation. The Federal Network Agency prepares an environmental report in which it examines the proposed grid measures. It may request changes to the NDP. It then releases the documents for public consultation. Once the procedure has been completed and evaluated, the BNetzA approves the NDP.

Process responsibility
BNetzA

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is Germany’s central infrastructure authority headquartered in Bonn. In particular, it ensures the support of competition in energy, telecommunications, postal services and railways. It forms part of the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Stakeholders consulted
Public & system operators

Stakeholders from the energy sector, business, science, research, environmental protection and citizens should work together to ensure that the energy transition succeeds.

at least every 4 years

Draft of the Federal Demand Plan (BBP) on the basis of the NDP and the environmental report

BNetzA

Draft of the Federal Demand Plan (BBP) on the basis of the NDP and the environmental report

At least every four years, the BNetzA sends the approved Network Development Plan – including the environmental report – to the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The Ministry then prepares a draft Federal Demand Plan and submits it to the legislature.

Process responsibility
BNetzA

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is Germany’s central infrastructure authority headquartered in Bonn. In particular, it ensures the support of competition in energy, telecommunications, postal services and railways. It forms part of the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Decision on the Federal Demand Plan by the federal legislature

Decision on the Federal Demand Plan by the federal legislature

The decision on the Federal Demand Plan clearly defines the improvement measures to be implemented in the grid. The precise configuration of these measures is formulated in subsequent planning steps. Several participation procedures are ensured for each project.

Next steps

With the adoption of the Federal Demand Plan, the requirements and the urgent need for the measures contained in the Federal Demand Plan Act are defined in a binding manner. The TSOs are obliged to implement the measures in the Federal Demand Plan Act. In this way, the TSOs can make their contribution to the energy transition.

Download process graphic

Here you can download the complete overview of the process graphic.

GDP_overall_process_EN.jpg [ JPG | 359.68 KB ]

Process and players – clearly explained (in German)

Newsletter subscription

Note: This newsletter is published in German.

References

Your transmission system operators