After Blackout in Spain: Consequences for Domestic Energy Policy
The minister draws lessons from the interim report of an international commission on the causes of the blackout on the Iberian Peninsula, in which the Austrian Power Grid (APG) also participated. The APG also made deductions for Austria's energy policy.
The APG's analysis shows that Austria is fundamentally well-positioned. "We have modern rules, strong networks, and clear crisis plans," said Hattmannsdorfer on Friday. "But we must not rest on our laurels." Therefore, some aspects of the planned energy market reform will be improved to ensure supply security in Austria. The schedule for implementation will not be affected by these refinements, according to Hattmannsdorfer.
Deductions for Austria's Energy Policy
The analysis results in three areas of action: better overall energy system planning in Austria and the EU, planning and expansion of networks including mandatory disclosure of available network capacities, and a focus on "grid-friendly behavior" such as dynamic peak capping for PV systems and dynamic grid usage fees and variable tariffs.
Specifically, better coordination between transmission and distribution networks and between network operators, producers, and consumers should be established. A stronger coordination role for the APG should also be legally established. In the future, network operators will have to present their plans to the APG and integrate them into the planning of distribution networks.
"Overvoltage Collapse" Led to Power Outage in Spain
Simply put, an "overvoltage collapse" in the power grid on April 28 led to the massive power outage on the Iberian Peninsula. The background: "In Spain, network connection conditions for power plants have not been updated for years. These were or are not aligned with the current dynamics or volatility of a largely renewable generation world," explained APG board spokesman Gerhard Christiner.
"In Austria, we are best positioned due to our modern network connection conditions and also through the implemented automatic voltage regulation of the Danube power plants connected to the transmission network," said Christiner. Nevertheless, the incident in Spain shows that the energy transition can only succeed with coordinated overall system planning, appropriate regulations for all actors, and the timely expansion of power grids - as well as the rapid implementation of the Renewable Expansion Act (EABG) and the ElWG, commented the APG board spokesman.
(APA/Red)
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