Grid feed-in is a central process in the energy market that describes the transfer of electrical energy produced by generators into the public electricity grid. This feed-in takes place both from large power plants and from decentralized generators such as wind power, photovoltaic systems or combined heat and power plants. The feed-in of electricity from renewable energy sources has become increasingly important, particularly in the course of the energy transition.

In Austria, grid feed-in is a key factor in promoting clean energy sources and reducing CO₂ emissions. The government has set ambitious targets to continuously increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix. A considerable proportion of Austria's electricity requirements are already covered by hydropower. In recent years, however, the feed-in of wind and solar energy has also increased significantly. The integration of these variable energy sources creates new challenges for grid stability, as the production of wind and solar power is dependent on the weather.

Grid feed-in takes place via different grid levels. Large power plants, such as thermal or hydroelectric power plants, usually feed directly into the extra-high voltage grid, while smaller, decentralized generators such as photovoltaic systems on rooftops feed into the low-voltage grid. To ensure the smooth operation of the electricity grid, grid operators must continuously monitor and control feed-ins at all levels. Austrian Power Grid (APG), which is responsible for operating the transmission grid in Austria, ensures that the energy fed in is distributed efficiently in order to guarantee a stable power supply.

A key aspect of grid feed-in is feed-in management. Due to the limited capacity of the electricity grid, bottlenecks can occur when there is a high feed-in of renewable energy - for example on particularly windy or sunny days. To prevent an overload, it may be necessary to temporarily reduce the feed-in capacity of certain systems. This measure is also known as curtailment. In such cases, the affected operators of wind or solar power plants receive financial compensation as they are unable to sell all of the electricity fed into the grid.

In Austria, there are various remuneration models for feeding electricity into the grid, particularly in the area of renewable energies. Operators of plants that generate green electricity, such as photovoltaic or wind power plants, benefit from feed-in tariffs that are set by the state and guarantee a long-term purchase of the electricity produced. In recent years, this guaranteed remuneration has created a strong incentive to invest in renewable energies and has significantly driven the expansion of decentralized power generation.

Another key issue in the context of grid feed-in is the question of grid infrastructure. The increased expansion of renewable energies requires investment in the modernization and expansion of the electricity grid. In Austria, there are currently projects aimed at making the grid more flexible and resilient in order to cope with the increasing proportion of decentralized feed-in. The expansion of intelligent electricity grids, known as smart grids, plays a particularly important role here. These grids make it possible to monitor and control the energy flow in real time in order to make the feed-in more efficient and avoid bottlenecks.

An important aspect for private households is the possibility of optimizing self-consumption. In Austria, many homeowners decide to install a photovoltaic system and use the electricity generated directly in their own household. Surplus energy that is not consumed immediately can be fed into the grid and remunerated. This feed-in to the grid not only provides an additional source of income, but also helps to stabilize the electricity grid by relieving it with locally produced electricity.

In the European Union, the directives on grid feed-in are harmonized in order to promote a uniform energy market. Nevertheless, there are differences in remuneration and regulations at national level. Austria is strongly oriented towards the EU's targets for the promotion of renewable energies, with domestic hydropower traditionally playing a dominant role.

In summary, it can be said that grid feed-in is a key pillar of the energy transition in Austria and Europe. Feeding in electricity from renewable sources not only secures the supply of clean energy, but also makes a significant contribution to achieving climate targets. The continuous expansion and modernization of the grids remain key challenges in order to ensure a sustainable and stable energy supply.