+25 % Feed-in for Solar & Wind Power: Giant Transformer in Operation at APG Substation Südburgenland

From Rotenturm to all over Austria: transformer as a link

The increased transformer capacity also contributes to facilitating the energy transition across Austria: "If a lot of green electricity is generated but not consumed in Burgenland, it can be fed into the APG grid at Rotenturm and distributed all across Austria - either directly to consumers or the large storage power plants in the Alps," explains Roland Spreitzhofer, who is a project manager at APG and responsible for managing comprehensive construction measures at substations. He adds: "Transformers are the link, so to speak, between Netz Burgenland's 110-kilovolt distribution grid and APG's 380-kilovolt transmission grid: they convert the electricity from one voltage level to another so that it can be used locally or transported over longer distances."

Start of operation at the click of a mouse

Before a transformer is connected to the grid, it is thoroughly checked - voltage tests, current tests, and short-circuit tests are simulated to find out whether all components are fully functional. Spreitzhofer: "When a transformer is connected to the grid, the tension is high: on the commissioning day, it is properly energized for the first time in stand-alone operation. The actual transfer to the system is completely digital. From APG’s control center in Vienna, the new element is connected to the system at the click of a mouse and 'handed over to operational management." This is what happened at the beginning of November. The transformer can now be used to its full capacity and is in full operation.

Expansion vessel, bushings, cooling fins

Regarding the components: The installation took several months and included an oil preservation tank  (no. 1), mounting part of the bushing (no. 2), and cooling system (no. 3). The latter consists of fans (no. 4) and cooling fins (no. 5). The bushings, of which there are eight in total - four on the 380 kV side and four on the 110 kV side (no. 6) form the connection to the high-voltage systems. This is how the electricity reaches the transformer, where it is finally converted to the required voltage level.

Total investment in Burgenland: 480 million euros

Christoph Schuh, company spokesperson for APG, commented: "APG is investing around EUR 480 million in strengthening and expanding the grid infrastructure in Burgenland by 2034 and thus makes a significant contribution to the electrification of businesses, industry and society and achieving the energy transition without jeopardizing the security of supply. Around nine billion euros will be invested across Austria over the same period to reach Austria's climate and energy targets."

About Austrian Power Grid (APG)

As independent transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid (APG) is in charge of ensuring the security of the electricity supply in Austria. With our high-performance and digital electricity infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies we integrate renewable energies, we are the platform for the electricity market, and we provide access to reasonably priced electricity for Austria’s consumers and thus create the basis for Austria as supply-secure and future-oriented industrial and business location and place to live. The APG grid totals a length of about 3,500 km and is operated, maintained, and continuously adapted to the increasing challenges of the electrification of businesses, industry, and society by a team of approximately 900 specialists. 67 substations are distributed all over Austria and the majority is operated remotely from APG’s control center in Vienna’s 10^th district. Thanks to our committed employees Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent also in 2023 and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 445 million euros in 2024 (2023: 490 million euros, 2022: 370 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor in reaching Austria’s climate and energy targets. Until 2034 APG will invest a total of approximately 9 billion euros in grid expansion and renovation projects.