SPIE modernises electrical infrastructure at Uniper’s Staudinger power station in Germany

Großkrotzenburg, Germany, 21 July 2026 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services for energy and communications, is modernising the electrical and control systems at Block 4 of Uniper’s Staudinger power station in Großkrotzenburg. The modernisation work of the gas-fired power station has been underway since 2024, is scheduled for completion by 2028 and will provide the technical basis for continued safe, reliable operation. The German Federal Network Agency classifies the power station as being systemically critical to the overall stability of the grid and security of supply. It will therefore remain in operation until at least 2031.

As one of the most important power stations in the state of Hesse, it is key to ensuring a stable supply of electricity in the Rhine-Main region, while at the same time evolving to become a modern energy and infrastructure hub. The focus is on low-carbon technologies, including a hydrogen-compatible gas and steam turbine plant as well as new applications such as data centres and battery storage systems in the longer term.

SPIE’s scope of services includes the replacement of low-voltage switchgear. In this context, SPIE is carrying out installation, connection and dismantling work in the field of electrical and control engineering, including the complete replacement of all low- and medium-voltage cables. SPIE is also replacing the busbars on the low-voltage side of the four existing low-voltage transformers with cables. The 10-kV connections on two service transformers will be either refurbished or replaced. As parts of the systems are required to remain in operation while the work is being carried out, the new cables will mainly be laid parallel to the existing routes. Moreover, SPIE is undertaking cable pulling work and providing control systems services at the substation.

Tobias Ludwig, Project Manager at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria, says: “With the rewiring of the main low-voltage distribution system over a distance of around 52 kilometres and the removal of 180 tonnes of scrap copper, we are implementing a project of considerable technical complexity. The work highlights the specific challenges involved in modernising a system-critical power station.”

Peter Pfannenstiel, Head of the CityNetworks & Grids Operational Division at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria, adds: “Upgrading the electrical infrastructure is a key prerequisite for the further development of the site and the gradual transition to low-carbon technologies. It lays the technical foundations for future energy-related projects and gives the power grid greater flexibility.”

In 2024, SPIE already provided support by retrofitting the generator switch and replacing the converters for the feedwater pumps. In the course of this project, around 35 kilometres of medium-voltage, low-voltage and control cables were laid and connected.