Germany’s federal energy regulator has launched a public consultation on the country’s long-term electricity grid expansion plan, aiming to accelerate infrastructure development needed to support the energy transition and the integration of renewable energy, including offshore wind.

The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) announced that it is opening the consultation on the second draft of the Network Development Plan (NDP), which sets out planned grid expansion measures through 2037 and 2045. Stakeholders can submit comments until 24 August 2026.

Grid expansion framed as essential for energy transition

The regulator underlined that expanding the electricity network is central to ensuring a secure, reliable and future-proof energy system while enabling Germany’s climate and renewable energy targets.

“Accelerating the expansion of the electricity networks will remain important in order to make the energy system fit for the future,” said Klaus Müller, adding that the expansion of extra-high voltage infrastructure is necessary to:

• advance the energy transition
• ensure security of supply
• achieve climate targets

He also stressed the need to balance system expansion with cost control, describing this as a key objective of the regulator’s approach.

159 grid expansion measures under review

According to the proposal submitted by transmission system operators (TSOs), the plan includes 159 grid expansion measures.

The Bundesnetzagentur currently considers:

• 118 measures eligible for confirmation
• while others are deemed insufficient to justify immediate upgrade requirements
• 76 measures are already included in Germany’s Federal Requirements Plan Act (BBPlG) or its revised version
• five measures planned only for 2045 have been reassessed for potential implementation by 2037 and deemed provisionally eligible

Offshore wind and European interconnections reinforced

A key element of the draft is the expansion of infrastructure to support offshore wind energy.

The revised plan includes up to eight additional offshore transmission links by 2037, which the regulator says are necessary to meet targets set out in Germany’s Offshore Wind Energy Act.

The consultation also covers:

• additional cross-border interconnectors to strengthen integration with European electricity systems
• a new high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line proposal

These measures are designed to improve system flexibility and reinforce Germany’s integration into the wider European energy market.

Consultation process and public participation

The consultation process will run until 24 August 2026, with the draft plan and evaluation results published by the Bundesnetzagentur for review.

The regulator will also hold two online information sessions:

• 6 August 2026 (14:00–17:00)
• 11 August 2026 (11:00–14:00)

The authority stated that the consultation is open to the public and public agencies, which are invited to submit comments on the proposed infrastructure expansion strategy.