Energy transition: Pforzheim relies on power grid modernization and smart meters!

Energy transition: Pforzheim relies on power grid modernization and smart meters!

On May 26, 2025, the focus will be on progress in the German energy transition, particularly with regard to the electricity and gas infrastructure. Dr. Aik Wirsbinna, who has been head of sales and customer services at Stadtwerke Pforzheim (SWP) since 2019, explains the current challenges and strategic planning in the energy sector. He brings with him extensive experience that he has gained in municipal energy suppliers and international corporations.

One of the central challenges is the development of the electricity infrastructure. In order to advance the energy transition, significant investments are necessary, which are supported, for example, by municipal heat planning in Pforzheim. This planning identifies targeted areas for the expansion of local and district heating as well as electrification. Dr. Wirsbinna highlights that fast charging points near highways are critical to the power grid and that requests for artificial intelligence in data centers require new lines to the transmission grid.

Planning and approval processes

According to Wirsbinna, the planning within the city of Pforzheim is going quite positively. However, there are difficulties in connecting to the transmission network, particularly in determining the connection points and the necessary permits. In addition, longer delivery times for transformer stations of at least one year can be expected. Despite these hurdles, municipal utilities are recording a significant increase in network connections, particularly through heat pumps and photovoltaic systems, which have doubled in the last three years.

In this context, increasing inquiries about charging infrastructure in the home show the growing importance of e-mobility. In order to meet this increasing demand, the municipal utilities are investing in additional capacities and IT systems to process inquiries.

Smart meters and digital networking

Another key issue is the smart meter rollout, which is progressing slowly in Germany spine.energy reported. The rollout includes the gradual installation of intelligent metering systems for electricity consumers and producers. The intelligent measuring systems consist of a modern measuring device (mME) and a smart meter gateway (SMGW), which enables the transmission of usage data to network operators.

Although around half of all households in Germany already have mMEs, they are not yet classified as intelligent. The legal requirements stipulate that consumers with electricity consumption between 6,000 and 100,000 kWh and producers with up to 25 kW must equip at least 20 percent of their measuring points with intelligent systems by December 31, 2025. From 2030, the rate could rise to up to 95 percent.

Challenges in gas networks and hydrogen investments

In the area of ​​gas networks, investments are falling, while strategic dismantling areas for district and local heating are being planned. In this context, hydrogen is viewed as a strategic topic, but it is not yet of direct relevance to Pforzheim. Dr. Wirsbinna also emphasizes the importance of the ability to finance future investments and the need to provide planning security for energy supply companies.

Finally, Wirsbinna calls for an efficient investment policy by network operators and targeted training to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. The measures and progress in infrastructure are crucial for the success of the energy transition and for ensuring a sustainable energy future in Germany.