Smart grids project between Germany and Czech Republic kicks off
Image: Bayernwerk
Gabreta Smart Grids, one of the Projects of Common Interest between Germany and the Czech Republic, has kicked off with the symbolic connection of power cables.
The Gabreta project, which is being led by E.ON Group distribution companies Bayernwerk AG in Germany and EG.D in the Czech Republic, seeks to foster cross-border cooperation between the two countries with the aim to accelerate the digitalisation of the distribution grid.
In particular, Gabreta Smart Grids is intended to develop a practical vision of how to fast-track the deployment of digital technologies to the distribution grid.
In addition to a cross-border interconnection between Germany and the Czech Republic in the Bohemian forest borderland, the grid should be upgraded with new infrastructure such as MV substations and lines, new monitoring and remote control devices and the development of an ICT based control system and applications.
Have you read?
EU confirms renewed focus on energy infrastructure with 166 cross-border projects
Why a meshed grid is the key to decarbonise Europe
Dr Egon Leo Westphal, CEO of Bayernwerk, says that the company can only shape the future of energy in a large community of responsibility and Gabreta is a prime example of this.
“Unlimited thinking, solidarity and innovative energy networks are the recipe for a successful energy future. With its focus on smartification, Gabreta is a turbocharger for the energy transition in our beautiful home regions and strengthens security of supply for more than seven million EU citizens.”
Claudia Viohl, CEO of E.ON Czech, said for him the Gabreta project is a blueprint for cross-border cooperation with the aim of meeting the future challenges of a new energy world.
“The project is not just about implementing new technologies in the Czech and German distribution networks. Rather, it is about partnership on the way to a common European energy market. I am convinced that Gabreta will ensure a climate friendly energy future on the Bavarian side and in the Czech Republic.”
Gabreta Smart Grids has been in development since 2019 and is being co-funded with an award of €100 million ($107 million) from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility financing mechanism.
It is expected to run to 2030, delivering an estimated value of €672.1 million ($720 million).
Ultimately its aim is to enable the further integration of renewable energy sources and the ongoing decentralisation of the energy system.
The Projects of Common Interest are major infrastructure projects to improve interconnections between at least two European countries.
