The public supply grid is the backbone of modern energy infrastructure and ensures that electricity and other forms of energy reach households, companies and public facilities reliably. This grid comprises various voltage levels, from the transmission of large quantities of electricity in the extra-high-voltage grid to distribution at local level in the low-voltage grid. In Europe and Austria, it is closely integrated into the European grid, which not only ensures national supply, but also promotes cross-border trade and the stability of the entire European energy system.

In Austria, the public supply grid ensures that electricity from various sources - including hydropower, wind energy, solar energy and fossil fuels - reaches end consumers. The majority of electricity is generated from renewable energy sources, particularly hydropower, which plays a central role in Austria. Austrian Power Grid (APG) is the operator of the transmission grid in Austria and ensures the large-scale transportation of electricity to the various regions. At the distribution grid level, local grid operators such as Wiener Netze or Salzburg Netz GmbH are responsible for fine distribution to end consumers.

The public supply grid is facing new challenges today. On the one hand, demand for energy is increasing as more and more electrical appliances, e-cars and heat pumps are being used. On the other hand, the proportion of renewable energies is continuously increasing, which means that the grid must become more flexible. Renewable energies such as wind and solar energy are dependent on the weather and fluctuate greatly in their availability. In order to compensate for these fluctuations and ensure a stable supply, the public grid is increasingly being supplemented by smart grid technologies that enable intelligent control systems.

Another key issue is security of supply. In Europe and Austria, the public supply grid is part of the European interconnected grid, which means that electricity from neighboring countries can be quickly accessed in the event of bottlenecks or disruptions in one country. This cross-border cooperation is particularly important in order to prevent power outages and ensure grid stability. In Austria, there is also close cooperation with the neighboring countries of Germany, Switzerland and Italy to ensure that the exchange of energy functions smoothly.

The modernization and expansion of the public supply grid is crucial for the implementation of the energy transition. In Austria, the expansion of grid infrastructures, the integration of storage systems and the development of new technologies are being promoted. In rural areas in particular, the focus is on increased grid integration of decentralized generators, such as small wind and solar plants. This development towards a more decentralized energy supply requires a restructuring of the grid in order to efficiently manage bidirectional electricity flows - i.e. the feed-in and offtake of electricity.

In summary, it can be said that the public grid in Austria and Europe plays a crucial role in ensuring a reliable energy supply. It is at the heart of the energy transition and must adapt to increasing decentralization and the integration of renewable energies. Investments in grid modernization and the expansion of smart grid technologies will make the grid fit for the future and contribute to achieving climate targets. Austria, with its strong use of renewable energies, shows how the public grid can contribute to a sustainable and stable energy system.