Infrastructure for the energy transition: SPIE increases the capacity of the Kronstorf substation in Austria

Kronstorf,  Austria, 07 November 2024 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has been commissioned by Austrian Power Grid (APG) to expand and increase the capacity of the Kronstorf substation. This expansion is part of the “Secure Electricity Supply for the Central Region of Upper Austria” project, developed by regional grid operators to future-proof the electricity network.

The goal is to ensure a sustainable power supply to drive the energy transition and electrification of industry, business and society. The Kronstorf substation will become part of the new 220-kV supply ring, which connects APG’s substations with those of two regional distribution grid operators and is expected to nearly completely replace the existing 110-kV network by 2030.

SPIE is working closely with the customer on the planning and implementation of this important infrastructure project. The technically demanding scope of service includes the detailed planning and construction of 380-kV outdoor switchgear and the primary and secondary technical integration of 220-kV switchgear. “The tight schedule for completing the first phase is particularly challenging. Partial commissioning of the substation is already planned for autumn 2025,” says Gernot Rausch, Project Manager for Energy Technology in the Austria operational division at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria.

Power consumption in the Upper Austrian economic region is steadily increasing, driven by its growth, rising population and industrial process changes, such as the shift to more electricity-based steel production. The renewal and expansion of the power grid ensure a reliable energy supply, better integration of renewable energies and a reduction of CO₂ in steel production.

SPIE has been implementing projects for the transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid for years. “Challenging projects demand technical expertise and a close collaboration built on trust,” says Andreas Christandl, Head of the Austria operational division at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria. “Our custom solutions help integrate renewable energy and build the infrastructure needed for Austria’s energy transition.”