What is the grid development plan and what significance does it have for the energy transition?

The grid development plan (NEP) is an important aspect of implementing the energy transition. It is a strategic instrument that plans the development of the electricity grid in the long term. It presents a series of infrastructural measures that are defined in the draft framework of a scenario. The aim is to identify bottlenecks and identify measures to eliminate them.

The NEP is crucial for the energy transition. It ensures that the grid can cope with the increasing feed-in of renewable energy. Without an appropriate grid infrastructure, the expansion targets could not be achieved. This is because renewable energies are generated decentrally and require a stable grid connection.

The aim of the NDP is therefore to plan the electricity grid for the future requirements of a climate-neutral energy system. The following must be taken into account:

• Energy infrastructure: How to deal with fluctuations in generation and load on the grids?
• System stability: How can electricity be transported safely from the producer to the consumer even with increasing capacity?
• Electricity transmission (HVDC): How can efficient electricity transmission in extra-high voltage grids be ensured, even over long distances?

Which key power electronics technologies are increasingly being used? 

Converters for use in high-power direct current (HVDC) transmission systems are a key technology for the integration of renewable energies and are essential for the energy transition. They enable the conversion of direct current into alternating current and vice versa. This is crucial for the efficient operation of wind turbines, solar plants and other renewable energy source.

Optimum cooling is particularly important to protect the power electronics from overheating and ensure reliable operation. This is where vacuum-brazed heat sinks (cold plates) come into play with their numerous advantages: 

• Efficient heat dissipation: The vacuum-soldered design allows heat to be dissipated efficiently. This improves the performance of the high-performance electronics and extends their service life.

• High reliability: The vacuum-soldered connections offer very good long-term stability and are insensitive to thermal and mechanical stresses. This ensures that the electronic systems function reliably, even under extreme operating conditions.

• Compact design: The greater design freedom makes it possible to design complex heat sink structures ideal for cooling electronic components. This is particularly important for applications where installation space and reliability play a role. 

Can the energy transition succeed without power electronics?

The short answer is: no. 

This is because, as we have seen in the blog article, integrating renewable energies into the energy grid is a complex challenge. It requires a variety of infrastructural measures. 
Power electronics is essential for the success of the energy transition when implementing HVDC (high-power direct current transmission). It plays a key role in energy transportation as well as in terms of stability and safety. 

Would you like to find out more about the energy transition and the power electronics it requires? As a manufacturer of vacuum-brazed heat sinks, we are here to answer all your questions.