Grid ownership
1) The high-voltage transmission grid, which is responsible for transporting electricity over long distances, is operated by four transmission system operators (TSOs): Amprion GmbH, 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, TenneT TSO GmbH, and TransnetBW GmbH. TSOs are regulated by the Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway (Bundesnetzagentur or BNetzA).
2) The distribution grid is owned and operated by distribution system operators (DSOs), which are responsible for the local distribution of electricity to households and businesses. There are over 800 DSOs in Germany.
Island TSOs
1. TenneT: TenneT is responsible for the high-voltage grid in northern and eastern Germany, including the offshore grid in the North and Baltic Seas.
2. 50Hertz: 50Hertz is responsible for the high-voltage grid in northeastern Germany, including the offshore grid in the Baltic Sea.
Development of electricity grids for RES integration
Grid operators are legally required to develop the grid to the state-of-the-art technology to ensure the uptake, the transmission and the distribution of the electricity produced with renewable energy sources.
Grid operators must, however, at all times ensure the system's ability to meet the demand for electricity transmission and contribute to the security of supply through appropriate capacities and system reliability.
Those generating energy from renewable sources can, therefore, claim the expansion of the grid if the uptake, transmission, or distribution of their electricity is at risk. Grid operators must take immediate action and reinforce the net capacity of the grid at their own cost. The grid operator is excepted from this obligation if the enforcement of the grid would cause an unacceptable burden.
If the grid operator does not meet its obligations, it could be subject to damage compensation payments. Plant operators could also ask for disclosure on the measures taken.
Specifications for islands, isolated grids, microgrids, local grids, etc.
As of 2025, Germany’s core grid laws do not contain distinct island/microgrid clauses under EEG or EnWG.
1) EEG
2) EnWG