A grid that is fit for the future is the key to security of supply and a successful energy transition. We are investing heavily in the expansion of our modern and powerful grid infrastructure to drive the integration of renewable energies and meet increasing electricity demand.
New power lines are needed to efficiently transmit wind energy from northern Germany to the centers of consumption in the south. SuedLink is one of these. Our subsidiary TransnetBW is playing a significant role in the transmission grid project by constructing the southern section. Work on all sections has been ongoing since mid-October 2025.
We safely and reliably transmit electricity from the generation site to where it is needed – all thanks to our subsidiaries TransnetBW and Netze BW. Their grid infrastructure is one of the most modern in Germany. To make sure this remains the case, we are investing billions in the expansion and modernization of the transmission and distribution grid.
The electricity grid in Germany is more than 1.9 million kilometers long, connecting hundreds of thousands of small and large power plants with millions of consumers. It is a complex system of power lines featuring different voltage levels
Gas grid
Netze BW operates 1,223 km of cutting-edge natural gas transmission and distribution grids in the high-pressure range, 1,983 km in the medium-pressure range and 2,055 km in the low-pressure range. It is preparing this infrastructure for climate-friendly gases such as hydrogen. Our subsidiaries terranets bw and ONTRAS are involved in the construction of a national hydrogen core network.
Water grid
Netze BW supplies around 600,000 people in Stuttgart with drinking water. Its almost 2,600-kilometer-long distribution grid and 135-kilometer-long transmission grid guarantees a secure water supply around the clock.
Broadband network
NetCom BW is expanding the fiber-optic network in Baden-Württemberg and laying the foundations for fast Internet connections. With around 15,200 km of fiber-optic cable, it operates one of the largest backbone networks in Baden-Württemberg and is driving digitalization.
Without grid expansion, there can be no energy future – it is essential for security of supply and vital to the success of the transformation of our energy system. That’s because the demands placed on the power grid are changing, with more and more energy being generated by wind turbines and solar plants in a decentralized system. This energy must be integrated, which requires new and more powerful lines, not to mention greater digitalization so that generation and consumption can be more flexibly balanced. This is how we are making our electricity grid fit for the future.
Four reasons to expand the grid
We are working on the digitalization of our grid infrastructure and embracing innovative technologies for grid use, grid expansion and grid monitoring. Our subsidiaries are developing groundbreaking solutions for our customers and the grids of the future.
Smart grids
We use digital technologies in our grids to coordinate electricity generation, grid operation, storage and consumption. Our subsidiary Netze BW conducted its flexQgrid field test in the town of Freiamt to demonstrate how a modern smart grid works in a rural community.
AI-based modernization strategy
Predicting damage before it occurs will be possible in the future thanks to an AI-supported early warning system for the medium-voltage grid. After all, the grid is complex. In order to precisely predict weaknesses or faults in 250,000 grid components, we have developed our own predictive maintenance system that can make data-driven predictions. It identifies the components that need to be replaced and makes this information available to all employees, improving grid reliability and significantly reducing operating costs.
Airship and drones used to inspect power lines
Our subsidiary Netze BW relies on innovative technologies to inspect overhead transmission lines, including airship and multicopter drones. Their role is to provide detailed images of electricity pylons and help speed up inspections, reduce the use of cars and helicopters, and improve occupational safety.
NETZinspect 2.0
The „NETZinspect 2.0“ (or “GRIDinspect 2.0”) project is testing an autonomous airship and comparing it with drones. The images are then analyzed by artificial intelligence to detect damage. Netze BW is also using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to identify and cut back trees and branches near high-voltage power lines.
StromGedacht
The StromGedacht-app from TransnetBW helps consumers to adapt their electricity consumption to the grid situation, enabling them to save money, reduce carbon emissions and stabilize the power grid. The app also provides extensive information on the energy transition and supports climate-friendly energy use
NETZbaustelle der Zukunft
Witrh its „NETZbaustelle der Zukunft“ initiative – which translates as “GRID construction site of the future” – NetzeBW is not only aiming to make grid expansion safer and more sustainable, digital and efficient for everyone involved, but also reduce noise, emissions and inconvenience for residents. To this end, it is using fully electric construction machinery and vehicles for the first time. Digital tools are also helping with planning, management, logistics and monitoring tasks.
The self-healing grid
At “NETZlabor Allgäu” (“Allgau GRIDlab”), Netze BW is working on the vision of a "selfhealing grid". It is designed to minimize interruptions and ensure that they are as unnoticeable as possible. A self-healing grid should be able to react independently to interruptions and automatically take the necessary steps to rectify the fault.
As a company rooted in the region, we traditionally maintain close partnerships with local authorities in Baden-Württemberg. With our “EnBW connects” participation model, for example, we are enabling towns, cities and communities to actively shape the energy transition and participate in the success of Netze BW. Our KommunalPlattform, meanwhile, is a local authority platform that is increasing transparency in the grid business and promoting partnership between us and the local authorities.