The energy world is changing – and Amprion is realigning itself. As a next-generation transmission system operator, it’s all about thinking holistically about the energy system in 2050, say Dr Hans-Jürgen Brick (CEO), Dr Hendrik Neumann (CTO) and Peter Rüth (CFO).
Peter RüthElectricity will play a key role in this. Decarbonisation, electromobility, digitalisation – wherever you are, the economy and society are totally dependent on electricity.
Dr Hans-Jürgen BrickEurope is currently embarking on a radical transformation – with the clear goal: we are building a long-term sustainable energy system. Climate-neutral, but also safe and efficient.
Peter RüthElectricity will play a key role in this. Decarbonisation, electromobility, digitalisation – wherever you are, the economy and society are totally dependent on electricity.
BrickThat said, we don’t yet know exactly to what extent the various energy sources and sectors will shape the energy system in 2050. So far, there’s no finalised model for how things will look. But that’s what makes it so exciting!
Dr Hendrik NeumannBut electricity is just one part of the system. We need to view the energy system in its entirety, with the energy sources electricity, gas and hydrogen, but also with the sectors industry, mobility and heating. Because everything is connected to everything else.
BrickThat said, we don’t yet know exactly to what extent the various energy sources and sectors will shape the energy system in 2050. So far, there’s no finalised model for how things will look. But that’s what makes it so exciting!
“I expect the energy system to continue to evolve in a very dynamic way. Our job is to do the best we can to anticipate how. But above all, we at Amprion can help shape this evolution. It’s a great opportunity for us!”Dr Hendrik Neumann
RüthEverything is founded on our role as a TSO: we plan, build and operate our grid. But the journey continues: if we at Amprion want to integrate renewable energies in the best possible way,...
Brick...we need to know our stuff not only in respect of electricity but all energy sources. That’s what we mean when we refer to ourselves as a next-generation TSO. This entails a high level of responsibility for the national economy.
NeumannAmprion has what it takes. We are already the ones who think holistically about the system. Take hydrogen, for example: it must be generated from surplus green electricity so that industry can manufacture in a more climate-neutral way. And to keep the cost to the economy low, the electrolysers should be located where lots of green electricity is generated.
Brick...we need to know our stuff not only in respect of electricity but all energy sources. That’s what we mean when we refer to ourselves as a next-generation TSO. This entails a high level of responsibility for the national economy.
NeumannAnd we don’t have to become hydrogen experts for that. But we are experts in integrating hydrogen technology – as well as renewables – into the energy system in the best possible way.
RüthAs a transmission system operator, we keep an eye on both aspects.
NeumannAnd we don’t have to become hydrogen experts for that. But we are experts in integrating hydrogen technology – as well as renewables – into the energy system in the best possible way.
“We continue to evolve by building on our strengths.”Dr Hans-Jürgen Brick
NeumannOne strength is clearly our technical expertise. By building the new System Operation and Control Centre in Brauweiler, we have created the core of a future operating system for the energy transition.
BrickAnd we have introduced new tools in recent years to better integrate renewables into the power system.
NeumannOne strength is clearly our technical expertise. By building the new System Operation and Control Centre in Brauweiler, we have created the core of a future operating system for the energy transition.
NeumannSuch as equipment for power factor correction. If conventional power plants are no longer capable of performing this task, we’ll turn to new options – and gain greater flexibility.
BrickI expect we will see many more innovations of this kind in the coming decade.
NeumannSuch as equipment for power factor correction. If conventional power plants are no longer capable of performing this task, we’ll turn to new options – and gain greater flexibility.
NeumannAnd one of our strengths is our ability to model the energy system of the future. This is a quite singular ability. We make our models available to our partners in the “system vision 2050” project – so they can develop their own models ...
Brick... and together we can create a robust model of the 2050 energy system that we still lack today.
NeumannAnd one of our strengths is our ability to model the energy system of the future. This is a quite singular ability. We make our models available to our partners in the “system vision 2050” project – so they can develop their own models ...
RüthI see it this way: we by no means know all the answers. Rather, we want – and need – to search for them together with our partners.
BrickThis is also reflected in the fact that we are looking beyond our own backyard – at the distribution grids, other sectors and Europe. For example, we are cooperating with E.ON to jointly plan the power grid and further develop storage technologies ...
Neumann... and we have been working together with the gas grid operator OGE to develop plans for testing a power-to-gas plant. We are collaborating in “Eurobar”, the initiative for a European offshore power grid.
“We will continue to open up for partnerships – and for new tasks.”Peter Rüth
RüthI see it this way: we by no means know all the answers. Rather, we want – and need – to search for them together with our partners.
BrickThis is also reflected in the fact that we are looking beyond our own backyard – at the distribution grids, other sectors and Europe. For example, we are cooperating with E.ON to jointly plan the power grid and further develop storage technologies ...
Neumann... and we have been working together with the gas grid operator OGE to develop plans for testing a power-to-gas plant. We are collaborating in “Eurobar”, the initiative for a European offshore power grid.
“We will continue to open up for partnerships – and for new tasks.”Peter Rüth
RüthFrom our desire to make a significant contribution towards building a sustainable energy system. It’s what motivates all of us.
BrickThe good mix of experienced and new colleagues certainly contributes to this. My impression is that they all identify with Amprion – and want to play their part in ensuring Amprion becomes the transmission system operator of the next generation.
NeumannAnd founded on a culture that combines values such as safety and stability in all grid-related processes with a willingness to be creative and to look for new solutions.
NeumannAnd founded on a culture that combines values such as safety and stability in all grid-related processes with a willingness to be creative and to look for new solutions.
BrickThe good mix of experienced and new colleagues certainly contributes to this. My impression is that they all identify with Amprion – and want to play their part in ensuring Amprion becomes the transmission system operator of the next generation.
