As part of the materiality analysis process, the 50Hertz stakeholder environment was analysed and defined. The company regularly contacts and exchanges information with these stakeholder groups. Internal project-related guidelines define the timelines and interactions between project planning, approval, public participation, and stakeholder management. This includes comprehensive lessons through learned processes, which enable the company to unceasingly develop the standardised “tool kit” for public participation at 50Hertz. Moreover, 50Hertz participates in the debate on the quality of public participation, for example, in the Alliance for a Diverse Democracy of the Bertelsmann Foundation and as a member of the Dialog-Gesellschaft e.V.
When planning and implementing the grid expansion, 50Hertz takes a comprehensive dialogue and participation approach. The involvement of relevant stakeholder groups plays a vital role when it comes to sustainable grid expansion. Firstly, regional and local stakeholder groups are carefully analysed and issues, questions, and concerns of those living locally are addressed. For this, 50Hertz follows the VDI 7000 standards. This allows 50Hertz to develop and implement a participation plan together with the region, based on both the standards of early public participation that were deemed successful, and the project specifications of each individual project. In the regions in which existing capacities are being increased or new transmission substations and lines are being built, the need to inform and involvecitizens varies. 50Hertz wants to align itself to the specific needs and engage in dialogue locally. This is the only way to further improve plans, integrate common knowledge that is only available locally and involves those affected.