Efficiency instead of bottlenecks: How Vattenfall is optimizing grid connections in Hommerdingen
We are setting new standards with the Hommerdingen/Biesdorf hybrid park: it combines wind turbines and photovoltaics, uses only one grid connection, and is designed to be operated in a grid-friendly manner. But this also presents challenges.
March 2026
In Hommerdingen/Biesdorf, we do not want to connect the solar park separately, but rather via the wind farm to the distribution grid. The solar park will thus be treated technically as if it were another wind turbine, so that only one grid connection is required for the entire plant.
However, it has become apparent that the planned connection is more challenging than expected due to limited capacities. At the same time, opportunities are opening up to make the connection more cost-efficient and future-proof.
What are the current challenges in the hybrid park?
The regional infrastructure is reaching its limits—the distribution grid's capacity is limited. Traditional grid upgrades would be time-consuming and costly; there is also a higher probability of curtailments, as periods of high feed-in pose a greater risk of redispatch measures. Last but not least, our hybrid approach also presents a challenge, as the combined feed-in of wind and solar energy increases the technical requirements and necessitates smart control.
What optimization approaches are available?
First of all, combining wind and solar power with a shared grid connection makes sense in principle, as the two types of plants usually produce at different times: The different generation profiles allow us to balance out peak loads and use the grid connection efficiently.
Our goal is to minimize curtailments in a targeted manner: coordinated feed-in management and time-shifted power concepts can reduce yield losses. In addition, digital forecasts and flexible operational management allow us to manage redispatch effects in an economically sensible way. The key here is a forward-looking approach to redispatch.
It is therefore clear that such a park needs an intelligent grid concept. With dynamic power limitation and an intelligent control system, we can significantly reduce the need for classic grid expansion.
What added value does this bring to the Hommerdingen project?
Thanks to the shared infrastructure and smart control strategies, we are reducing grid connection costs. We can also get the park and grid connection up and running faster, as less conventional grid expansion is required. And finally, energy revenues increase when the grid operator has to reduce output less. As a result, the Hommerdingen hybrid park will strengthen the location in the long term and make a significant contribution to the energy transition.
Advantages for power purchase agreements too
The combined and complementary generation from wind and solar power offers major advantages for companies. Hybrid parks use the complementary generation profiles of wind and solar power to ensure a steady supply of renewable energy. This synergy increases the share of renewable energy in the consumption mix and creates a reliable basis for long-term price stability for companies.
About Hommerdingen/Biesdorf
The Hommerdingen-Biesdorf hybrid power plant consists of four wind turbines with a total output of 17 megawatts and more than 12,000 solar modules with 7.6 MWp. The wind farm belongs to the municipality of Hommerdingen, while the PV park belongs to the municipality of Biesdorf (Solar) in the southern Eifel region. According to current plans, the power plant is scheduled to go into operation in fall 2026.
Do you have questions about PPAs with hybrid parks or the solution in Hommerdingen/Biesdorf? Feel free to contact us!
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