Expanding the grid with cross-border capacity 

New interconnectors are key to accommodating the energy transition. ALeGrO is the first interconnector between Germany and Belgium. Beyond the infrastructural work and system integration, this connection must also be implemented in the European energy markets. How can ALeGrO access the capacity calculation region (CCR) and pan-European allocation platforms to ensure cross-border transmission and trade are possible? Magnus Energy guided ALeGrO’s stakeholders throughout this process towards a successful go-live. 

Key figures 

• Added 1.000 megawatts 
• Live since 2020 

The First Belgian German Interconnector 

To enable the energy transition, the current energy infrastructure must be expanded. Numerous investments are being made to enhance grid improvements across Europe, including the introduction of new interconnectors. ALeGrO is the first interconnector between Belgium and Germany. It adds a capacity of 1,000 megawatts to the European grid – comparable to a medium-sized nuclear power plant. 

Alongside the complex and lengthy infrastructural work and system integration, ALeGrO must also be implemented in the European energy markets. How can it be integrated into the European capacity calculation region (CCR) and pan-European allocation platforms for Single Day-Ahead Capacity (SDAC) and Single Intraday Capacity (SIDC)? 

Adding to the complexity, ALeGrO is a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector that must be integrated into a dense alternating current (AC) grid. It’s like planting a Sequoia tree in a Bonsai Garden. 

Our role? Managing complexity 

Magnus Energy has a proven track record in European electricity market integration projects. Using our best practices, we provide project management support by structuring the project organisation, creating an overall project plan, and supporting the implementation. Additionally, we facilitate the decision-making processes.

Solving issues 

With our contacts and experience, our team quickly identified key issues. One major challenge was that existing technical concepts required adaptation, as the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnectors needed to be integrated into a dense alternating current (AC) grid. We developed innovative new methods within a short period, aligning with the Single Day-Ahead Capacity (SDAC) governance. 

Integration into operations 

Meanwhile, the interconnectors needed to be integrated into all operational cross-border market processes. Our team ensured that all impacted systems were thoroughly tested to ensure accurate capacity calculation in the (then) Central Western European (CWE) region after going live. This included testing with pan-European systems, grid operators, market operators, and service centres that needed to adapt their systems for the new interconnectors. 

Result: a successful go-live 

By the end of 2020, the ALeGrO interconnector successfully went live, enabling further integration of renewables into the grid while ensuring price reductions and security of supply. 

“Magnus Energy supported us brilliantly. This was a highly complex project, requiring in-depth knowledge of capacity calculation and market coupling processes. With their expertise in all the relevant processes and stakeholders, they were the right team to guide this project. The consultants provided excellent project management and secured a successful go-live!” – Filip Carton, involved in the ALeGrO project on behalf of Elia 

Contact our experts

Our experts are here to guide you. Reach out to our experts Reinhard Kaisinger and Christiane Stut to learn more.