SPIE to modernise Neckarsulm transformer station on behalf of Netze BW and prepare it for turnkey operation

Neckarsulm, 21 May 2021 – On behalf of distribution grid operator Netze BW, a company belonging to EnBW, SPIE – the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications – is modernizing and expanding the Neckarsulm transformer station and preparing it for turnkey operation. The contract began following a public tender last October and is expected to be completed in summer 2023.

Modernisation for increased capacity

The capacity of the existing transformer station needs to be increased to meet greater demand from local industrial and commercial operations – among them Audi, which is in the process of expanding its Neckarsulm location with new production halls and a multifunctional building for technical development. In addition, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles at the site is being further expanded. Preparations got under way back in 2018. As part of an intensive planning phase, Netze BW formulated a basic concept for the modernisation project – including the necessary provisional electrical systems – and prepared the project so that it would be ready to go when the building permit was granted.

SPIE has now assumed responsibility for executing the contract and is modernising the transformer station alongside day-to-day operations. This ensures a continuous supply of power, meaning that all the homes and businesses connected to the grid do not experience any disruptions. “We are modernising the transformer station and preparing it for turnkey operation. This means that we are responsible for all planning, controlling, coordination, delivery, assembly and installation tasks and for putting it into immediate operation,” says Claudius Ortbandt, the project manager at SPIE. Specifically, the multi-technical service provider will be installing the new switch gear building and a new, gas-insulated, 110 kV high-voltage switch gear system along with all the cabling. The contract also involves integrating a 20 kV medium-voltage system and other medium-voltage compensation systems and components as well as installing the entire protection and control technology along with the direct and three-phase current distribution systems. “We will be working in a very confined space and installing provisional systems to maintain the power supply until we’re ready to switch over to the new systems. This requires high-precision detailed planning and good coordination among the different trades,” says Claudius Ortbandt, talking about the challenges ahead.

A reliable, long-standing partnership

Netze BW and SPIE enjoy a successful partnership that goes back many decades. As a product-neutral and non-proprietary service provider, SPIE offers service provision from a single source and operative excellence. Over the years, SPIE has proved to be a dependable partner in helping grid operators to meet the challenges of the energy transition. Their excellent partnership is reflected in a number of successful past contracts. “We’re delighted that Netze BW is once again entrusting us with this project,” says Dr. Klaus Kist, Weinheim location head in SPIE’s High Voltage operational division. “Our outstanding quality and workmanship, our adherence to delivery dates and our solution-oriented mindset once again ensured that we successfully secured this tender.”