Germany is in the midst of the energy transition, increasingly demanding innovative concepts. Hybrid parks that combine wind power, photovoltaics, conversion, and storage technologies are becoming significantly more important. These parks enable more efficient use of renewable energies, as different generation profiles complement each other ideally.
In this article, we present the infrastructure of a wind park as an example, which serves as a basis for many projects in the field of renewable energies. We always keep the bigger context in mind: Hybrid parks offer as a visionary solution the possibility to intelligently network different technologies, thus making the energy supply more stable and sustainable.
EEF offers comprehensive solutions for planning, construction, and operation of these forward-looking projects. With our long-standing experience in developing sustainable infrastructures, we actively shape a future-proof energy supply and significantly advance the Energy transition 2.0.
The Substation - The Central Hub of Grid Connection
The substation is the heart of a wind park. It ensures that the energy generated by the wind turbines is safely and efficiently transferred to the public grid.
What are the functions of a substation?
The substation transforms the electricity generated by the wind turbines to a higher voltage to transport it safely and efficiently over long distances. While wind turbines generate electricity at relatively low voltages (e.g., 690 volts), connection to the power grid requires higher voltage levels, typically between 20 and 33 kilovolts.
Today's PV and wind parks often reach performance levels that require grid connections at 110 kilovolts or higher. Substations therefore transform the electricity from, for example, 20 kilovolts to 110 kilovolts or more, ensuring low-loss transmission over high-voltage lines. This transformation is essential for efficiently feeding the generated electricity into the power grid and transporting it to consumption centers.
At EEF, we place great emphasis on customizing each substation to the specific requirements of the site and the grid operators. This ensures optimal functionality and efficiency.
How wind energy is fed into the power grid
Once the electricity is generated by the wind turbines, it is transmitted via underground cables to the substation. The underground cables are designed to operate reliably even under adverse environmental conditions. At the substation, the voltage of the wind farm is transformed from, for example, 20 kilovolts (medium voltage) to, for example, 110 kilovolts (high voltage) to connect to the appropriate overhead lines of the public power grid. The wind electricity is then transported to consumption centers and end users via the overhead lines.
The injection of wind energy into the grid requires not only technical precision but also safety-related measures. State-of-the-art switchgear, safety and control systems ensure safe integration and contribute to the systemic stability of the power grid.
The Benefits of a Well-Planned Substation
The injection of wind energy into the grid requires not only technical precision but also safety-related measures. State-of-the-art switchgear, safety, and control systems ensure safe integration and contribute to the systemic stability of the power grid. A well-planned substation represents a valuable network node in the long term, supporting not only current projects but also future initiatives or repowering measures. Through our comprehensive planning, we maximize the usability and availability of renewable energies.
The Key Benefits of an Optimally Planned Substation are:
Enhanced Feeding Capabilities:
A substation, by connecting to the high-voltage grid, creates the foundation for efficiently integrating large renewable energy plants. Even with limited capacities in the medium-voltage grid, it ensures reliable and stable feed-in of the generated energy. Thus, we sustainably increase the usability and availability of renewable energies.
Reliability:
The switching and monitoring systems ensure trouble-free operation and secure a stable power feed-in, even in varying weather conditions.
Scalability:
A well-designed substation offers flexibility: it can be expanded or adapted to new requirements as needed - a crucial advantage when expanding wind farms with additional turbines.
Access routes - Logistics for wind farm construction
Logistics is another key factor for the successful construction of a wind farm. A particular focus is on access routes, which enable the safe transportation of heavy components such as rotor blades and tower segments to the construction sites.
Planning and construction of access routes
EEF always plans access routes with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. This is particularly important at remote locations where accessibility often poses a challenge. Through close cooperation with local communities and authorities, we ensure that all requirements are considered and the paths are environmentally friendly. Especially in the development of remote or difficult-to-access wind farm sites, careful planning of access routes plays a crucial role. The safe and efficient delivery of large components such as rotor blades or tower segments often requires tailor-made logistical solutions. The basis of all thinking is the Circular Economy Act and the subordinate Substitute Building Materials Ordinance.
The crane pad - Foundation for the installation of modern wind turbines
The crane pads (KSF) form the foundation for the construction of wind turbines. These are necessary to safely mount the huge components of the wind turbines. Crane pads are constructed according to manufacturer specifications and are regularly inspected during the construction phase.
Why Crane Pads are So Important
Crane pads must be load-bearing to withstand the high loads during the assembly of wind turbines. EEF ensures maximum safety and efficiency through careful planning and regular inspections during the construction phase. Additionally, we develop concepts for flexible and sustainable use of these areas to further increase infrastructure efficiency.
EEF designs the crane pads to meet the requirements of heavy crane systems, but also to be easily dismantled after the construction phase to minimize environmental impact.
The Cable Route - Power and Data Transmission in the Wind Park
The cable routes of a wind park handle the transmission of power and data. Underground cables transport the generated energy from the wind park to the substations and ultimately into the public power grid.
Installation of underground cables and conduits
EEF relies on proven techniques for laying cable routes that adapt to specific requirements. Cables are typically laid directly into the ground as they are specifically designed for this purpose. Empty ducts are used only at crossings of roads, paths, railway tracks, or water bodies to provide additional protection for the cables. An exception is the fiber optic cable, which is always laid in conduits, being blown over several kilometers once the earthworks are largely completed.
The use of high-quality materials such as MS-Alu cables and fiber optic cables ensures reliable energy and data transmission. These standards ensure secure power transmission and enable efficient communication between the turbines and the monitoring centers, securing the operational capability of the facilities in the long term.
"Cable routes and access paths are crucial for the expansion of renewable energies. They enable the safe and efficient transport of the generated electricity from renewable energy facilities to consumers. Without well-planned access paths and laid cable routes, it would not be possible to reliably feed the generated energy into the existing power grid."
Thilo Waldt - Department Head of Networks & Construction
The foundation in wind turbine installations
The foundation of a wind turbine bears the entire load of the turbine and ensures stability even under extreme weather conditions.
There are different types of foundations
Depending on the soil conditions, EEF uses different types of foundations. These foundations are designed to evenly distribute the load of the wind turbines and guarantee a long lifespan of the facilities.
In addition to classic foundations such as slab or point foundations, modern technologies like vibro compaction and concrete piles offer flexible and sustainable alternatives, especially in challenging soil conditions. These techniques help to ensure long-term stability of the wind turbines and minimize environmental impact.
Deep foundations and earth screws
For particularly difficult soil conditions, EEF resorts to deep foundations and earth screws. These specialized solutions provide additional stability and are a sustainable alternative to conventional foundations.
Construction Sites - Logistic Hubs During Construction Phase
During the construction phase of a wind park, construction sites serve as logistic hubs. They are professionally planned by EEF and renaturalized after completion of the works. This is part of our commitment to sustainable project development.
Underground Cables - The Invisible Veins of the Wind Park
Underground cables are the invisible lifelines of a wind park. They safely and efficiently transport the generated energy to where it is needed. At EEF, we rely on cutting-edge technologies and methods to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and safety.
Our underground cables are laid subterraneously – keeping the landscape intact and the energy transmission maximally protected.
Grid Connection - Linking the Wind Park to the Public Power Grid
The grid connection of a wind park represents the final step. Here, the generated electricity is fed into the public grid, making it usable for consumers.
Technical and logistical aspects of grid connection
EEF develops customized solutions for grid connection that are economically and technically precise. In close coordination with grid operators and local authorities, we ensure that projects are connected to the grid smoothly and without delay. We understand that wind park projects require more than technical expertise – they also require proper handling of bureaucratic challenges. Complex approval processes and land use requirements can quickly destabilize schedules. Therefore, we rely on early dialogue and proactive cooperation with all stakeholders.
Conclusion – These are the key factors for a successful and sustainable wind park infrastructure
A successful wind park infrastructure requires precise planning and implementation. With decades of experience and comprehensive expertise, EEF ensures that all infrastructure components of a wind park are perfectly coordinated. Our sustainable and innovative approaches maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. It is only through close cooperation with local residents and communities, and compliance with strict environmental requirements, that EEF contributes to our joint projects gaining high acceptance and minimizing impact on nature.
Together we shape the Energy transition 2.0 – for a future where technological innovation and ecological responsibility go hand in hand.
