GreenSwitch
GreenSwitch
The Project
For this cross-border project of common interest (PCI), we have partnered up with several companies from Slovenia and Croatia. The aim of the project is to optimise the use of the existing electricity infrastructure. Moreover, it will allow new technologies and advanced functionalities to be integrated into the transmission and distribution grids. This will enable a greater integration of renewable energy sources into the grid infrastructure and thus increase the security of supply.
Introduction of smart equipment
Security of supply
Greater integration of renewable energy sources
2023 to 2028
146 Mio. €
EU Funding: 73 Mio. €
Thereof: 46 Mio. € KNG
EU Funding: 23 Mio. €
Croatia (HOPS, HEP)
Slovenia (ELES, Elektro Celje, Elektro Gorenjska, Elektro Ljubljana)
Timeline
Application 5th PCI list
CEF co-funding granted
Permit granting
Construction & Commissioning
Expected Impacts
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Increased controllability of the power grid through automation |
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Expansion of capacity for the existing network |
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Expansion of cross-border network capacity |
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Increased controllability of transformer stations through automation |
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Lower peak demand with the use of flexibility sources |
Our GreenSwitch Projects in Carinthia
The sub-projects
- Automation of two new primary substations (110/20kV)
- Automation of around 60 secondary substations (20/0,4kV)
- Expansion of the medium voltage grid (150km of underground cables)
- Laying of fiber optic cables (70km)
- Upgrade of Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) functionalities
- Upgrade of existing and construction of new cross-border emergency power connections (20kV from Austria to Slovenia)
Our primary substation Winklern
The new primary substation Winklern is necessary in order to supply our customers, private households as well as companies, in the Mölltal with sufficient and reliable electricity over the coming decades. This includes the municipalities of Stall, Rangersdorf, Winklern and Mörtschacher.
It will be constructed near the municipality of Lamnitz, directly under the existing 110kV overhead line that runs from the primary substation Außerfragant via the mountain range Kreuzeck Group to the municipality of Oberdrauburg.
The primary substation Winklern will consist of the following plant components: a 110-kV switchgear five 110-kV overhead line connections, a 110/20-kV secondary substation, a 20-kV arc suppression coil and seven 20-kV cable connections.
The new substation will make the grid infrastructure in the upper Möll Valley fit for the future.
In a nutshell:
• Construction of a new primary substation
• Duration of 2 years
Automation of secondary substations
This sub-project involves not only automating existing transformer stations but also the construction of new "smart" stations. The automated transformer stations will be connected to our grid control system with remote-controlled and remote signalling switching devices, as well as short-circuit indicators with remote metering function. Upgrading the transformer stations is one of the key factors in the successful operation of the grid control system and therefore enables increased security of supply.
In a nutshell:
New construction and automation of 60 transformer stations
Duration 2023 to 2028
News
Modernisation of Electricity Network Infrastructure
The modernisation of electricity network infrastructure in Carinthia continues as part of the GreenSwitch project. Kärnten Netz is advancing the replacement of vulnerable medium-voltage overhead lines in Hartelsberg. Approximately 2 km of new medium-voltage cable are being installed to ensure a future-proof upgrade of the existing infrastructure.
By replacing overhead line sections with underground cables, security of supply is enhanced and the resilience of the electricity network against external influences is strengthened. At the same time, these measures contribute to the modernisation of the distribution network and help prepare the energy system for future requirements.
With the upgrade in Hartelsberg, Kärnten Netz is taking another step towards a modern and resilient electricity infrastructure within the GreenSwitch project.
Successful Factory Acceptance Test of the ADMS
An important milestone was reached at the end of June with the successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS).
On 29 and 30 June, Kärnten Netz and Siemens carried out the tests in Vienna. The ADMS was successfully validated across 34 test cases using realistic scenarios to verify system performance under various operating conditions.
The system enables automatic restoration of power supply following grid disturbances and serves as a key element in improving grid stability, resilience and security of supply.
This successful acceptance marks another step towards automated and digitalised grid operation within the GreenSwitch project.
Automation of the Sapotnica Transformer Substation
Work within the GreenSwitch project continues to progress steadily, particularly in the area of substation automation. Around 34 transformer substations have already been automated by Kärnten Netz, representing an important step towards improving grid controllability, resilience and the integration of renewable energy sources.
The Sapotnica transformer substation, part of the cross-border emergency power connection through the Loibl Tunnel, was recently successfully upgraded and automated. To ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the Bodental area during the construction works, a temporary compact transformer substation was installed and put into operation.
These measures contribute to the development of a more digital, flexible and resilient electricity grid and help create the conditions needed to meet future energy demands.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the CINEa can be held responsible for them.
