Substation renovated

Power grid gets fit for the energy future

Eleven million euros were invested in the substation on Kirchengasse in Klagenfurt

(Bild: Kelag)

Energy suppliers are preparing for the future: the growing number of PV systems, the phasing out of carbonization and the threat of blackouts pose new challenges for the electricity grid. Kärnten Netz is therefore investing in the infrastructure.

The substation in Kirchengasse in Klagenfurt has been expanded in recent years. The facility covers almost 20 percent of Carinthia's electricity consumption. Among other things, it supplies the Energie Klagenfurt grid and the regions between the southern shore of Lake Wörthersee and the Karawanken mountains. "We are proud that we managed to complete this conversion on schedule, which was more or less open-heart surgery," explains Michael Marketz, Managing Director of Kärnten Netz. 

The work on the substation was carried out during ongoing operations

(Bild: Kelag)

The work had to be carried out during ongoing operations. "Due to the integration of a total of eight 110 kV lines and the limited space available, we were unable to build a new one on a greenfield site," continued Marketz. The renovation was carried out by Strabag. "Such energy projects are always exciting for our construction teams, as they are technically very demanding," explains Gerold Laubreiter, Strabag's Director for Carinthia and Styria. 

Kelag board member Reinhard Draxler, Kärnten-Netz board members Michael Marketz and Eva Tatschl-Unterberger, Strabag director Gerold Laubreiter were shown the completed substation.

(Bild: Kelag)

The renovated facility will ensure a sufficient and secure power supply for the region in the coming decades. "The energy transition means increasing demands on the electricity grid. New applications such as heat pumps and e-cars are being added, the power requirements of companies are growing and at the same time we are seeing the increasing decentralization of generation through photovoltaic systems," explains Eva Tatschl-Unterberger, Managing Director of Kärnten Netz. 

Further investments in substations
The completed project in Klagenfurt is just one part of a comprehensive renovation. With investments in the Treibach, Gailitz, Rangerdorf, Ferlach and Wolfsberg substations, the next projects are already in the pipeline or under construction. 60 million euros are being invested in this renewal offensive.

In addition to the renovation, the substation has also been expanded

(Bild: Kelag)

"The renovated Klagenfurt substation is a concrete example of the extensive investments made by Kelag and its subsidiaries in Carinthia as a business location," explains Kelag CEO Reinhard Draxl.er The Carinthia package will see around 750 million euros invested in the electricity grid by 2025. Draxler: "In times of a weakening economy, our investments support the economy and have a long-term effect."