Stromnetz Berlin steps up the energy supply for the north of Berlin
Foundation stone laid for new grid node in Reinickendorf
23.07.2025
Stromnetz Berlin is on track to double the capacity of Berlin’s electricity grid by the mid-2030s. In addition to many kilometres of new cables, this plan also includes transformer stations and what are known as ‘grid nodes’ - a kind of giant multiple distribution box for large quantities of electrical energy. The company began construction of the new Wittenau grid node on Holzhauser Strasse in Reinickendorf a year ago. Today, 23 July, the State Secretary for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Dr Severin Fischer, Reinickendorf’s District Councillor for Urban Development, Korinna Stephan, and Stromnetz Berlin Managing Director Dr Erik Landeck laid the foundation stone for this new plant. The grid node is being built to replace an older facility on the same site. This plant will secure the electricity supply for household and commercial customers in the Reinickendorf district from 2031 and will be equipped with state-of-the-art, climate-friendly technology. The roof is being planted with greenery and is also being prepared for the installation of solar panels.
The State Secretary for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Stromnetz Berlin, Dr Severin Fischer, emphasises: “Berlin is expanding and, as it grows, so does the need for secure and efficient energy infrastructure. At the same time, decarbonisation of our economy is fundamentally altering the demands on the electricity grid. The laying of the foundation stone for the Wittenau grid node demonstrates the forward-thinking way we are collaborating with our state-owned company, Stromnetz Berlin, to deliver a stable grid. Over the next few years, a total of about 50 million euro will be getting invested here. This will provide the people of Berlin with a sustainable and climate-friendly electricity supply, and Berlin-based businesses will benefit from infrastructure that they can depend upon”.
Reinickendorf’s district councillor for urban development, Korinna Stephan: “By laying the foundation stone for this new grid node in Wittenau, we are demonstrating the rising momentum behind the energy and heating transition in Reinickendorf. This project ensures a reliable and climate-friendly energy supply in our region. This means that decentralised energy supply and electricity-intensive heat generation can be expanded even further, enhancing the environmental credentials of this district. A process that also demonstrates how we can shape a sustainable future of our city through innovative technology and targeted investments”.
Dr. Erik Landeck "In all our projects, we are committed to working as rapidly as possible to minimise disruption to the surrounding area. To cite just one example, in Wittenau we are building a construction road on the site to preventing trucks from needing to manoeuvre on the busy Holzhauser Strasse. This will help to relieve traffic congestion. In particular, I would like to extend by thanks to the neighbours who gave us permission to access their land for this project. I am also grateful to the district authority for granting permits so quickly. Last but not least, I wish everyone involved in the construction continuing success”.
After the planned commissioning of the 60 x 15 metre grid node in 2031, we shall be demolishing the adjacent old system. This new system will contain twice as many switch panels as the old system, which dates from 1968 and has now reached the end of its service life. The design of the new Wittenau grid node will make further conversion and expansion in the future a feasible proposition. Architecturally, this new building is modelled on the old plant and features Berlin’s archetypal clinker brick facade.