2023
Germany
Ulm-Netze is studying how heavy rainfall and surface water affect its medium and low-voltage substations. The project, part of the InterBDL national research initiative on bidirectional electromobility, focuses on assessing infrastructure vulnerability to extreme rainfall events in southern Germany. The goal is to identify risks and prepare adaptation standards for future use across the utility’s electricity, gas, district heating, water, and public transport networks.
Highlights
01
Around 1,000 public substations are assessed for vulnerability to heavy rainfall and surface water.
02
Conducted within the InterBDL project, focusing on the effects of climate change on local infrastructure.
03
Collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and other research partners.
04
Flood level studies form the scientific basis for new planning and design standards.
Main Information
Ulm-Netze participates in the InterBDL project, which explores how bidirectional electromobility (V2G – Vehicle-to-Grid) can contribute to a more flexible and resilient energy system. The project connects electromobility with renewable energy integration, smart grids, and energy storage. Within this framework, Ulm Netze focuses on understanding the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change on grid infrastructure, especially flooding, and uses these insights to improve local grid reliability.
The German Aerospace Center provided flood maps based on their algorithm for this region. These flood maps were merged with the location of each single substation and indicate the risk for each station caused due to heavy rain and run-off.
The company is currently evaluating the vulnerability to this risk to all its public substations, with the results serving as a foundation for future implementation of corresponding adaptation measures. This work contributes to Ulm-Netze’s broader goal of developing climate-resilient, smart urban infrastructure, combining electric mobility, digital innovation, and sustainable network planning.
