At the Frankfurt North substation, Mainova AG, its network subsidiary NRM Netzdienste Rhein-Main, TenneT Germany and the City of Frankfurt recently reached an important milestone for the energy future of the Main metropolis: the first phase-shifting transformer at the interface between the transmission and distribution networks has begun operation.
„Frankfurt as a business location depends on a reliable and powerful energy infrastructure“, says Stephanie Wüst, Head of Economic Affairs for the City of Frankfurt am Main. „This is the only way companies here can grow and remain innovative, while at the same time ensuring security of supply for our citizens. Projects such as the new phase-shifting transformer are therefore much more than a technical detail – they are a central building block for the future viability of the entire region.“
The new facility, which is now in regular operation following successful test runs, is designed to enable the targeted control of electricity flows – and to make Frankfurt's electricity grid ‘fit for the future and efficient for the growing demands of a climate-friendly electricity supply,’ as Mainova explains.
„Symbol of change“
Dr. Michael Maxelon, CEO of Mainova AG, explains: „The Nord substation is much more than a technical hub – it is a symbol of change. The new phase-shifting transformer enables us to intelligently control electricity flows and make optimum use of our grid. This enables us to ensure a stable supply even in times of volatile feed-in and rapidly growing demand. In addition, we are investing in a high-performance electricity grid to continue to reliably transport energy from the grid interconnection points through our lines to our customers. This benefits the people in our home town and the entire business location.“
Future technology for the electricity grid
According to Mainova, the phase-shifting transformer presented at this interface in the electricity grid is unique in Germany: its ability to actively influence electricity flows is intended to specifically relieve the inner-city distribution grid. In view of ‘increasing feed-in of renewable energies and growing loads from data centres, e-mobility and the heat transition’, this is becoming increasingly important. A second phase-shifting transformer at the Frankfurt North site is planned for 2026.
