Thuringian Households Struggle with Frequent Power Outages
Residents of Thuringia often find themselves in the dark for extended periods, with power cuts lasting an average of almost 18 minutes per household. This is according to data from the Federal Network Agency, making Thuringia the German state with the second-highest occurrence of unplanned power outages.
The cause of these frequent power disruptions could be attributed to several factors. A representative from Thuringia's Energy Networks (TEN) suggests that the state's heavy woodland coverage and vulnerability of medium-voltage lines at tree height are contributing factors. Additionally, individual weather extremes and construction activities associated with fiber optic expansion might have played a role.
TEN, responsible for operating 34,000 kilometers of electricity grids in Thuringia, is the largest grid operator in the state and also supports individual municipal utilities.
Comparatively low for Europe
Thuringia's power outage figures are relatively low when compared to other European countries in a CEER study. In 2018, Germany and Switzerland ranked first with just over 14 minutes of outage time. Thuringia's national average of 12 minutes was surpassed only by France, which recorded 51 minutes, and Kosovo with 3940 minutes.
Enhancing Reliability
To reduce power failures and improve energy reliability in Thuringia, TEN is focusing on upgrading its electrical grid infrastructure and collaborating with local utilities to reinforce the grid's resilience in susceptible areas.
Impact of Renewable Energy Sources
Recent enrichment data suggests that frequent power cuts in Thuringia can be partially attributed to the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power into the grid. This reliance on volatile energy sources makes it challenging for grid operators to manage supply and demand accurately, leading to instability in the electrical frequency and reduced ability to cope with sudden disturbances.
Investments in grid upgrades and advanced management systems are essential for maintaining stable energy supply and improving overall grid resilience in Thuringia and other European countries facing similar challenges as they transition to renewable energy sources.
