Author
Power grids across the world need to expand at an unprecedented pace. Throughout this rapid development, one priority must remain unchanged: the grid has to stay stable. Large battery storage systems are increasingly used to balance peak loads and to keep the power system in equilibrium, at least temporarily. Data centres play an equally important role, as they form the backbone of intelligent networking with renewable energy. At the same time, they are considered the central tool for pushing ahead the digitalisation process
However, connecting large battery storage facilities and data centres to the grid is progressing slowly, and this issue is becoming a serious bottleneck. This situation creates a dilemma. To overcome it, and to make grid connections faster and more predictable, Eplan sees uniformity in design and engineering processes as a key factor. Collaboration is essential. As Stephanie Kudak, Vertical Market Manager Energy at Eplan, states: “We do not believe that individuals can implement the energy transition, but only with the power of a strong ecosystem in which all stakeholders in the industry work together. With software that brings all the threads together, we provide the right tool for exactly this. It helps everyone speak the same language."
The right tools to speed up the grid connection
Grid connection is no longer a single technical step. Planning, design, testing, construction, and later operation must all be aligned. This is where Eplan comes in. As an engineering platform, Eplan enables integrated, digital, and standardised processes that make planning, testing, and implementation scalable. This reduces errors, speeds up coordination, and increases planning reliability. These benefits are crucial when connecting complex systems such as large battery storage plants and data centres.
The foundation for this is integrated data usage. For example, with Eplan Preplanning, structured plant data can be captured in the early project phases. This information is logically organised and becomes the basis for all further planning steps. This approach not only avoids media breaks, but also reduces the risk of transmission errors.
Based on this, Eplan Electric P8 supports standard-compliant electrical design. Electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and device data are all created from a uniform data model. Using Eplan Pro Panel, the engineering data flows directly into the three-dimensional model of control cabinets and system structures. Electrical design and mechanical planning remain closely connected throughout. Space requirements, cable routing, and the overall structure can be checked and optimised early on.
The digital twin as an accelerator
This workflow creates a digital twin of the plant. It functions as a consistent, continuous database that integrates all relevant electrical and technical information and makes it usable for planning, commissioning, and future modifications.
The value of this approach has already been proven. A pilot project at the southern German distribution network operator naturenergie netze demonstrates this clearly. A highly complex substation is being modernised during ongoing operation using an integrated digital twin.
Before construction began, the entire plant was recorded digitally, matched with inventory data, and modelled into a consistent digital system that brings primary and secondary technology together for the first time. This creates a single source of truth that makes conversions more predictable, safer, and faster. Early project phases already show significant time savings. Instead of several weeks for inventory data collection, the network operator now requires only a few days. According to the operator, this represents a reduction of around 90%.
Standardisation makes grid expansion scalable
In addition to digitalisation, standardisation is a key lever for accelerating grid connections and making expansion scalable in the long term. Eplan’s engineering platform supports this by enabling structured data models, reusable templates, function blocks, and modular concepts. This means that grid connection projects no longer need to start from scratch.
Planning is based on tested, standard-compliant modules. This shortens project times, improves documentation quality, and simplifies reviews by grid operators. “The latest standards and regulatory requirements can always be stored in Eplan’s tools to ensure you remain compliant with the applicable regulations,” explains Stephanie Kudak.
Consistent digital models also reduce the number of queries and correction loops, while improving the verifiability of complex connection concepts. All of this shows that digital, standardised engineering processes do more than accelerate internal workflows. They help shorten grid connection procedures overall and make grid expansion scalable.
Comments