Network Development Plan

The  Network Development Plan (NEP) describes where the German extra-high-voltage grid needs to be expanded or upgraded over the next 10 to 15 years and defines appropriate expansion projects – currently for the target year 2030. Amprion, 50Hertz, TenneT and TransnetBW develop the NEP on the basis of the Scenario Framework. The NEP is drawn up in a two-year cycle. The authority examines the plans and confirms the projects that are required in terms of energy efficiency and priority. The results of the Network Development Plan are incorporated into the Federal Requirements Plan Act.

Participation and approval

The four transmission system operators jointly prepare an initial draft of the Network Development Plan, upon which citizens, associations and institutions can express their opinions during a consultation phase. On the basis of these opinions, we revise the Network Development Plan once again and then submit it to the Federal Network Agency. The Federal Network Agency examines the plan and can either confirm it as the final version or request changes.

Environmental report

In a strategic environmental assessment, the Federal Network Agency also examines the network development plans with respect to their potential impacts on people and nature. To this end, it consults with representatives of the authorities, experts and environmental associations and publishes the results in an environmental report. Opinions expressed by members of the public on this issue are in turn incorporated into the decision-making processes of the Federal Network Agency.

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