Industry representatives are pushing for investments in the power grid. The alternative, they warn, would be much more expensive.
Electricity pylons.
In view of the near blackout in the European power grid, the electricity industry points to the importance of security of supply. With an annual supply gap of around 25 minutes per year, Austria is among the leaders in Europe. As Verbund boss Michael Strugl explained, this security is not available “for free”.
Security of supply is not only about short-term, but also about measures that can be planned. In the previous year alone, the transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid (APG) intervened on 261 days by means of a network reserve to stabilize, according to APG board member Gerhard Christiner.
Expensive alternatives
A large-scale power failure in Austria would cost around 1.18 billion euros per day, according to Strugl. Security of supply does not come automatically, it is valuable, but it also costs something. Around 18 billion euros would have to be invested in the networks by 2030.
The shutdown of coal and nuclear power plants in Germany will exacerbate the situation and possibly affect the price of electricity. In view of the planned transformation of the energy system, the e-industry is facing enormous challenges. Measures such as speeding up procedures are therefore necessary.
Five subject areas
The industry has therefore identified five topics for maintaining security of supply, from raising awareness to cybersecurity. Today, Strugl mentioned the establishment of a regular dialogue between politics, administration, industry representatives, science and other parties involved, or the introduction of an assessment of the impact on security of supply in energy laws.
Further points in accelerating the expansion of infrastructure are enabling the construction of secure power and storage facilities. Cooperation between the local authorities is also important.
In order to increase acceptance among the population, Strugl advocated transparent information and, if possible, participatory processes. It is important to mediate between “legitimate interests of those affected” and “legitimate public interest goals”.
