QAZAQ GREEN. On November 26, 2024, a webinar titled “Ensuring Energy System Reliability and Renewable Energy Integration (RES)” was held as part of the “Capacity Development for Climate Policy” (CDCP III) project. The event, supported by the Qazaq Green Renewable Energy Association, brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions in the energy sector.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Dominik Schlipf, Head of the System Balancing Group at TransnetBW, the energy grid operator in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

“We are witnessing a significant increase in the share of renewable energy in power grids, necessitating new approaches to grid management and balancing,” said Dr. Schlipf during the webinar.

Key topics discussed

Participants explored various topics, including:

• Managing imbalances in power grids,
• Implementing demand response mechanisms,
• Deploying energy storage systems,
• The role of balancing reserves in ensuring stable energy system operations amid growing RES integration.

The webinar served as a critical platform for knowledge exchange between Kazakhstani and international experts.

Germany’s experience in renewable energy integration

Dr. Schlipf shared insights into Germany’s achievements and challenges in integrating RES.

“We operate in Baden-Württemberg, a region covering approximately 35,000 square kilometers in southern Germany. While we are the smallest operator among the four main transmission system operators, our work plays a crucial role in maintaining grid reliability,” he noted.

TransnetBW’s energy system encompasses voltage levels ranging from 380 kV and 220 kV (transmission) to 110 kV, 20 kV, and 400 V (distribution).

“We see renewable energy growing across all levels. Solar panels on rooftops (400 V), small wind farms, and biomass plants (20 kV) are becoming integral to the system,” explained Dr. Schlipf.

At the 380 kV and 220 kV levels, large-scale wind farms remain the primary source of renewable energy, connected through offshore converters, while solar power dominates lower voltage levels.

Synchronization of the European Energy System

One of the key strengths of the European power grid is its full synchronization.

“For instance, if there’s a failure at a power plant in Turkey, grid frequency drops, and all generators, participating on FCR , automatically stabilize the system. This makes our grid exceptionally resilient,” noted Dr. Schlipf.

However, energy distribution between regions presents ongoing challenges.

“Most wind generation is concentrated in northern Germany, while energy consumption is higher in the south. Our task is to transmit this energy efficiently,” he added.

Growth of RES and infrastructure challenges

Germany adds approximately 800 MW of solar capacity monthly, equating to around 10 GW annually.

“While renewable energy capacity is growing rapidly, grid infrastructure development lags behind. Building new transmission lines requires significant time and investment,” said Dr. Schlipf.

This necessitates more efficient use of existing resources. In summer, excess solar energy is directed to pumped-storage hydropower plants, while in winter, when solar and wind energy generation decreases, coal and gas plants meet demand.

“The continuous growth in renewable energy generation demands innovative solutions for grid balancing and process adaptation. Coordination with other transmission system operators at the European level is becoming increasingly vital,” he concluded.

Kazakhstan’s renewable energy development

Dana Yermolyonok, Project Manager for CDCP III project in Kazakhstan at the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), highlighted the program’s active support for decarbonizing industries and developing renewable energy in Kazakhstan.

“Our project operates with the support of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. We aim to enhance dialogue between the private sector and the government, providing access to international expertise and innovation. Today’s webinar is a vital part of this process,” she emphasized.

She added that the project includes research, study trips to Germany, and events involving grid operators and international experts.

“We are deeply grateful to TransnetBW for their willingness to share their expertise. This significantly aids Kazakhstan in adapting its energy systems to new challenges,” Dana Yermolyonok concluded.

The webinar underscored the importance of international collaboration for successfully integrating renewable energy sources. Germany’s experience, combined with Kazakhstan’s initiatives, opens new opportunities for transitioning to a sustainable and eco-friendly energy future.