Energy: Technology
The Austrian transmission grid has to meet a wide range of expectations, because secure power supply must be guaranteed at all times. However, there are numerous challenges to be mastered in this context. Behind the scenes, experts are working 24/7 to ensure that supply and demand are constantly in balance. Because only if 50 Hertz is maintained in the power grid electricity is available for everyone around the clock in the usual quantity and quality.
Our specialists from the Plant Management Department have to face big challenges: they deal with the question of where new pylons and lines need to be erected to ensure a successful energy transition. They draw up long-term scenarios and analyze what is needed, for example, to ensure that the transformation of the energy system can be achieved without jeopardizing the security of supply. Their area of expertise involves efficient and forward-looking grid expansion planning. They consider where and what capacity increases are needed, for example, to transport energy from renewable plants efficiently to urban centers. A plethora of challenges must be overcome in this area: before a project can actually be realized, for example, it must pass an environmental impact assessment.
Other specialists from the APG control center are required to act quickly, yet very thoughtfully, when they need to call up available power at very short notice to keep the grid balanced and stable at 50 hertz.
Network installers & energy distributors
The conversion and expansion of the power grid, grid modernization or newly built lines involve the cooperation of specialists from different departments. Interdisciplinary project teams are formed: colleagues from project management, project controlling, approval procedures and decisions, line management, primary technology (as contact persons for high-voltage technology), construction technology, plant control technology, grid control technology, protection technology, metering, OT security, building services, plant documentation and data management regularly meet to find the best solutions.
If necessary, the specialists receive support from the purchasing, legal, human resources and communications departments. Learn more about Energy: Management.
Tamer of high voltages
As soon as the construction of a substation is completed, it is put into operation. At all of the total of 65 substations operated by APG in Austria, specialists from plant operations management and maintenance of the plant and line systems and plant control technology ensure that safe operation is continuously guaranteed. Their goal is to facilitate maximum availability of all plant components and to ensure real-time data transmission from the substations to the APG control center.
In addition to regular inspections and functional checks of the system components, the activities also include vegetation management along transmission lines, patch management of the control technology components and the execution of delegated switching operations. Within the scope of 24/7 on-call services, it is ensured that a team member from the Fault Management Department is always on site, thus guaranteeing plant availability around the clock. The employees of the department act as regional contact persons for third parties, including companies, authorities, emergency organizations and residents. Special attention is devoted to more than 20 apprentices who receive dual training in electrical engineering/metal technology.
Learn more about the apprenticeship here.
Electrical engineering experts
To sustainably operate the system after construction, maintenance and repair, our electrical engineering experts of the System Management Department analyse and calculate load flows, grid stability and congestion management concepts and develop new processes. To ensure a successful energy transition, our specialists also work on further developing our system design and management approach. The department’s responsibilities comprise the areas of grid security, system balancing, grid capacity management and wholesale markets.
Power Grid Control
APG Power Grid Control is the control center and, at the same time, the “brain” of Austria's electricity supply system.
In the futuristic building on the edge of Vienna's tenth residential district, highly qualified employees work around the clock to ensure that the lights never go out in Austria. All the experts who work there have learned how to deal with unforeseen situations and find solutions quickly. They regularly undergo practice drills regarding various crisis scenarios. If the worst comes to the worst, the power grid can be restored within 24 hours in close and coordinated cooperation with Austrian distribution system operators and other European TSOs.
Security of Supply and Operational Energy Management
Another important department of the “Energy: Technology” division at APG is the Supply Security and Operational Energy Management Department. Their tasks range from issues such as market operations and energy data management to forecasts for grid security planning.