CDM Smith is shaping the energy transition: Interview with Nadja Pappenberger

What services does CDM Smith offer in the field of energy transition?

Nadja Pappenberger: CDM Smith offers a wide range of technical and consulting services in the field of energy transition in accordance with HOAI service phases 1 to 8. These include basic evaluation, design, approval and implementation planning, as well as construction supervision. In addition, we prepare expert reports and concepts and contribute technical expertise in areas such as civil engineering, drainage and road planning, as well as the use of digital tools like BIM. The projects mainly include extra-high-voltage lines such as SuedLink and SuedOstLink, battery storage facilities and MSCDN systems for grid stabilisation. In route projects, the focus is on technical planning and construction supervision, particularly in the context of long-distance DC expansion. CDM Smith is increasingly acting as a general contractor for battery storage systems: we take care of both infrastructure planning – for example, for access roads, foundations and drainage – and construction. Implementation is carried out by interdisciplinary, cross-divisional teams. This enables complex infrastructure projects to be realised efficiently, sustainably and from a single source.

How important are power lines for the German electricity grid?

Nadja Pappenberger: Power lines are essential for transporting energy from new generation sites – primarily wind power in the north – to consumption centres in southern and western Germany. Many existing lines are outdated or overloaded, making expansion and modernisation of the grid absolutely necessary. Direct current power lines such as SuedLink and SuedOstLink in particular enable large amounts of energy to be transmitted efficiently over long distances with lower losses. Grid expansion is therefore not only important for national security of supply, but also for stabilising the European interconnected grid – among other things to avoid so-called ring closures, which could otherwise lead to overloads.

How do battery storage systems contribute to the energy transition?

Nadja Pappenberger: Battery storage systems complement the electricity infrastructure by helping to transfer the buffer capacity currently available in the power lines to the grid boosters. This increases the utilisation of power lines and reduces the necessary grid expansion. Grid boosters also compensate for fluctuations in the power grid. They store excess energy and release it when needed, for example in the event of a power line failure. In this way, they contribute significantly to grid stabilisation. Their importance will continue to grow with the increasing share of renewable energies in the electricity mix.

What are the main challenges in grid expansion and how is CDM Smith resolving them?

Nadja Pappenberger: The biggest challenge is the diverse range of stakeholders and their differing interests: landowners or tenants, environmental associations, but also agricultural associations. In a densely populated country like Germany, it is not easy to choose a route that does not affect anyone. Of course, attempts are made to bundle linear infrastructure measures wherever possible, but this is not always successful. We try to involve the relevant stakeholders as early as possible and to create transparency about the necessary measures, insofar as this is within our remit. Otherwise, we try to influence the client in this regard.

CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges.