Energy consumption

Grid losses

G4-EUS-EU12

Some energy is always lost when electricity is transmitted, whether as current heat loss in transmission lines, in transformers and other system elements, or as leakage and corona loss. In 2018, 50Hertz recorded grid losses of 2.5 TWh. The average grid losses at the extra-high-voltage level were 240 MW; those of transformation were 45 MW. With the SuedOstLink between Saxony-Anhalt and Bavaria, 50Hertz is planning the first 400 kV extra-high-voltage direct current transmission line in its grid area. This technology is more suitable than conventional threephase AC current technology to expediently transport large amounts of energy over long distances with lower grid loss and optimal control. The share of grid losses in the total amount of electricity transported is 2.13%.

Energy consumption

GRI 302-1, GRI 302-4, SDG7, SDG13

In the grid area of 50Hertz, electricity consumption is stable over the year at 96.8 TWh in 2018 (96 TWh in 2017 and 2016).

50Hertz supports the objectives of the EU and the federal government for reducing CO₂ emissions, particularly by expanding the grid, which increases the share of CO₂-neutral energy sources, but also by optimising the company-wide carbon footprint. In 2015, an external energy audit according to the DIN EN 16247-1 standard was commissioned for the first time to systematically record the energy consumption of our systems and administrative buildings. This audit is set to be repeated in 2019. As yet, there are no current, robust figures available on energy consumption in 2018. 50Hertz is looking into introducing a process for determining consumption figures during the year.

The energy audit revealed optimisation potential across the Company, the feasibility of which was carefully examined in terms of economy and sustainability.

Energy consumption

Data basis: external energy audit according to DIN EN 16247-1 in 2015. Annual reporting on energy consumption is intended for the future.

The vehicles in the fleet have a large impact on the carbon footprint, but are indispensable for comprehensive coverage of our extensive grid area and quick access to our systems. In 2018, these vehicles produced 1,758.18 tonnes of CO₂ . A new location concept emerged from the efficiency project as a long-term factor, which will come into effect in 2019. 50Hertz is currently increasing its locations in northern and eastern Germany from seven to 11. Among other things, this will decrease the driving distance and will therefore also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Emissions

GRI 305-1, GRI 305-2, SDG7, SDG13

We use sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) in our contactors, transformers and gas-insulated switchgear. This gas is a central operating material at 50Hertz because of its excellent insulating and arc properties. At the same time, however, SF6 has high greenhouse potential, so great caution is taken in transporting, storing and using the gas. 50Hertz complies with the requirements of the European F-Gas Regulation (EU) no. 517/2014, which was updated in 2014. Since 2005, the Company has worked in accordance with the Voluntary Commitment of SF6 Producers and Users (Freiwillige Selbstverpflichtung der SF6-Hersteller und -Nutzer). Its goal is to reduce the loss rate of 0.8% of the total in 2004 to 0.6% in 2020. In the Berlin-Charlottenburg substation, a new kind of gas-insulated 110 kV switchgear is being installed, which instead of the conventional insulation gas SF6, uses a gas mix with much lower greenhouse potential. The gas mix called g³ has the same technical properties as SF6 but is up to 99% less harmful in terms of the greenhouse effect. As a result of conscientious handling and internal monitoring for operation and maintenance of our gas-insulated systems, in 2018 we came in significantly below the “Voluntary Commitment of SF6 Producers and Users” with a loss rate of 0.11%*.

Various modes of transport are used for business trips. In the reporting year, air travel accounted for 335 tonnes of CO2 equivalents. In addition, employees produced around 6.66 tonnes of CO_2* by using public transport. 546,000 kilometres were travelled by long-distance train. Long-distance train journeys are not reported, as Deutsche Bahn claims to use 100% green electricity.

50Hertz is currently evaluating the gradual expansion of its climatemanagement and thus the possibility of reducing its GHG emissions. In the 2018 reporting year, direct and indirect GHG emissions were calculated for the first time.

Greenhouse gas emissions

The calculated figure in the carbon footprint corresponds to 1,222 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents per person including grid losses and 32 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents per person excluding grid losses (basis: 1,027 employees).

_{* the figures stated are estimates as of 31 December 2018. The following calculation bases and emission factors were used to calculate CO2 equivalents: SF6/IPCCFifth Assessment Report (ARS), vehicle fleet/direct fuel consumption, energy (electricity, district heating)/Federal Environmental Agency 2017 Scope 2 Guidance, business trips/information provided by service providers, Scope 3 Guidance}