Energy transition systems –
Post-EEG solutions
Energy conversion systems – Post EEG solutions
Value creation concepts for the economic continued operation of old wind turbines
In order to be able to continue operating old wind turbines economically after the expiry of EEG subsidies, alternative operating concepts must be considered. This is the only way to prevent dismantling if repowering is not possible. These value-added concepts rely on direct sales of green power, avoid overcapacity shutdowns, and are independent of negative electricity prices.
When the EEG subsidy expires after 20 years, many wind turbines will be threatened with dismantling. Although they are technically in order, their continued operation has been assessed and they could continue to run for another 10 years or more. By the end of 2025, a total of around 16,000 MW of wind power capacity will be phased out of subsidies. The current low prices on the electricity exchange make continued operation uneconomical.
New value creation concepts for continued operation
The new value-added concepts envisage the energy generated being fed directly into separate consumer networks. Content
The new value-added concepts envisage that the generated energy is fed directly into separate consumer networks.
Wind turbines are disconnected from the previous grid connection point. The generated energy is fed directly into dedicated consumer networks. Additional energy sources such as photovoltaics or biogas can be integrated. Surplus heat can also be utilized. The energy sources are combined with energy storage systems.
This enables a secure, grid-code-compliant power supply even under strongly fluctuating feed-in conditions. Operating models can be flexibly adapted to local conditions.
Advantages through new value creation concepts
- New value-added concepts through direct sales of green electricity
- Green power is easier to sell than with PPA marketing agreements
- No downtime due to overcapacity shutdowns
- Energy production is independent of periods of negative electricity prices
- Solutions for medium and large wind turbines and wind farms
FREQCON’s experience shows that the alternative operating models are suitable for both medium-sized and large WTs. At the same time, a wind farm should have a maximum of twice the power of the consumer, so that a large part of the wind energy generated can also be used. In general, the systems are suitable for outputs from 500 kW. It is advantageous if suitable consumers are located in the local vicinity.
Availability of technical systems
- Frequency inverters from FREQCON in sizes of 500 kW, 1,000 kW and 2,000 kW for wind turbines up to the 2-digit MW range
- Battery storage in module sizes 500kWh, 1,000kWh and 2,000 kWh
- Energy management system monitors and optimizes generation and consumption
- Connection of the plants up to 1MW to the consumers via the low-voltage grid
- Connection of larger plants (or for distances up to 10 km) via medium-voltage grid
- Use of components that have been tried and tested many times worldwide
