Controlling, optimising and shaping the tension field Berlin
19.02.2020
Stromnetz Berlin plans to invest EUR 211 million for 2020
Stromnetz Berlin plans to invest EUR 211 million for 2020
"We manage the Berlin electricity grid 24 hours a day and ensure the volume of electricity required is made available wherever it is needed. We continually optimise the operation of the grid, processes and our collaboration with customers and partners. We are also actively helping to shape the growth and development of Berlin by planning and expanding the distribution network and cooperating with other infrastructure", stated Thomas Schäfer, Chairman of the Board of Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, at today's annual press conference.
He went on to state that the company's focus is on the core areas of security of supply, customer orientation and support for the capital as it works towards climate neutrality. To this end, the company is planning to invest a record sum of EUR 211 million in 2020 (up from EUR 201 million in 2019) into these areas. This represents a continuation of the company's intensive investment activities at a high level. Specifically, the investments are divided into three key areas: around half of the funds (EUR 102 million) are being used to maintain and upgrade the Berlin distribution network, while around one quarter of the total amount – EUR 52 million – is reserved for digitalisation, while another EUR 57 million is allocated for the challenges set to arise as Berlin continues to grow.
In the long term, too, Stromnetz Berlin is proving to be one of the largest investors in the capital. After investing more than EUR 1 billion into upgrading and expanding the electricity grid and making it future-proof between 2014 and 2019, Schäfer forecast further investments amounting to EUR 1.2 billion over the next five years (2020 – 2024).
"Our projects aim to help the city on its path towards climate neutrality and ongoing electrification, e.g. of the transport sector. Berlin is growing, but wishes to remain an attractive location for economy, science and culture. This calls for a modern, efficient electricity grid", continued Schäfer.
The Stromnetz Berlin director also stated that in 2020 the company will focus on promoting electric mobility, rolling out smart meters, working on a digital feed-in portal, continuing its efforts to automate medium-voltage stations, and setting out conditions for connecting a high-performance data centre in the south of Berlin (scheduled to be completed in 2022).