Our colleague Dr. Kevin Münch, Head of Distribution System Operators at E-Bridge Consulting, was a guest this week at the ZIA Logistics Real Estate Committee in Berlin, where he gave an impulse presentation on the energy sector’s plans regarding grid connections.

Key takeaway: Grid connection capacity is becoming the decisive location factor. The simultaneous ramp-up of renewables, large-scale battery storage, data centers, and e-mobility is colliding with limited capacities. The traditional “first come, first served” principle is no longer sustainable.

• Regulatory shift: The planned amendments to the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) introduce statutory prioritization criteria, flexible grid connection agreements, and significantly increased transparency on available capacities.
• Self-optimization as a lever: Load management, on-site generation, and storage solutions can reduce grid impact and accelerate the grid connection process.
• Early dialogue is critical: Implementation timelines of up to ten years for new substations make early and reliable coordination between project developers, municipalities, and grid operators a key success factor.

Many thanks to Jan Dietrich Hempel (GARBE Industrial Real Estate) and Helmut Weih (CRE Deutsche Post DHL Real Estate Germany) for the invitation and the insightful exchange!