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GE Vernova to modernize TransnetBW's cross-border grid hub in Germany
GE Vernova builds a critical German substation enhancing reliability, strengthening cross-border renewable flows with France/Switzerland, aiding Europe’s energy transition.
www.gevernova.com
GE Vernova Inc. has announced it has been awarded a contract by German transmission system operator TransnetBW to modernize the Kühmoos grid node - an important electrical substation in southern Germany that plays a vital role in cross-border power flows and regional grid stability. Once complete, the upgraded site is expected to enhance frequency regulation, voltage stability, and power exchange between Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Strengthening a Strategic Grid Node
Located near the Swiss border, Kühmoos serves as a critical transmission hub and connection point for two major pumped-storage hydropower plants. As part of Germany’s broader effort to strengthen grid infrastructure the modernization of Kühmoos aims to increase the capacity and reliability of the substation to support the integration of renewable energy and rising power flows across interconnected European networks.
Scope of GE Vernova’s Work
GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business will lead turnkey delivery of a new 380 kV gas-insulated substation (GIS), replacing the existing air insulated switchgear, doubling capacity within a significantly smaller footprint while maintaining live operations throughout construction. The project includes 15 bays of compact GIS technology a 4 Main Busbar System, allowing for more flexible, secure, and space-efficient power distribution.
The project also integrates a mechanical switched capacitor with damping network (MSCDN) - a technology that helps regulate voltage and reduce losses, especially as more high-power flows move through the grid.
“At the substation Kühmoos of TransnetBW, we are reinforcing a vital energy hub for both Germany and our neighbouring countries, France and Switzerland. The collaboration with GE Vernova supports our ambition to expand and future-proof our transmission network while continuing to operate reliably and safely. This modernisation is therefore a major milestone in the transformation of our grid, ensuring the electricity supply in south-western Baden-Württemberg,” said Dr. Rainer Pflaum, CFO at TransnetBW.
Supporting Europe’s Grid of the Future
Europe is rapidly scaling up its renewable energy ambitions, with the EU power sector expected to generate around 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and nearly 90% by 2050, according to the latest IRENA outlook . To reach these targets, grid modernization, accelerated infrastructure investment, and better cross-border coordination are critical. Recent insights from the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Energy Transition Index also underscore the urgent need to improve system flexibility and resilience, especially as electricity demand rises. Projects like Kühmoos - designed to enhance transmission capacity, system stability, and cross-border connectivity - are essential enablers of Europe’s energy transition and long-term competitiveness.
www.gevernova.com
Strengthening a Strategic Grid Node
Located near the Swiss border, Kühmoos serves as a critical transmission hub and connection point for two major pumped-storage hydropower plants. As part of Germany’s broader effort to strengthen grid infrastructure the modernization of Kühmoos aims to increase the capacity and reliability of the substation to support the integration of renewable energy and rising power flows across interconnected European networks.
Scope of GE Vernova’s Work
GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business will lead turnkey delivery of a new 380 kV gas-insulated substation (GIS), replacing the existing air insulated switchgear, doubling capacity within a significantly smaller footprint while maintaining live operations throughout construction. The project includes 15 bays of compact GIS technology a 4 Main Busbar System, allowing for more flexible, secure, and space-efficient power distribution.
The project also integrates a mechanical switched capacitor with damping network (MSCDN) - a technology that helps regulate voltage and reduce losses, especially as more high-power flows move through the grid.
“At the substation Kühmoos of TransnetBW, we are reinforcing a vital energy hub for both Germany and our neighbouring countries, France and Switzerland. The collaboration with GE Vernova supports our ambition to expand and future-proof our transmission network while continuing to operate reliably and safely. This modernisation is therefore a major milestone in the transformation of our grid, ensuring the electricity supply in south-western Baden-Württemberg,” said Dr. Rainer Pflaum, CFO at TransnetBW.
Supporting Europe’s Grid of the Future
Europe is rapidly scaling up its renewable energy ambitions, with the EU power sector expected to generate around 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and nearly 90% by 2050, according to the latest IRENA outlook . To reach these targets, grid modernization, accelerated infrastructure investment, and better cross-border coordination are critical. Recent insights from the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Energy Transition Index also underscore the urgent need to improve system flexibility and resilience, especially as electricity demand rises. Projects like Kühmoos - designed to enhance transmission capacity, system stability, and cross-border connectivity - are essential enablers of Europe’s energy transition and long-term competitiveness.
www.gevernova.com
