GE Vernova Inc. has been awarded a significant contract by German transmission system operator TransnetBW to modernize the Kühmoos grid node, a key electrical substation in southern Germany. Located near the Swiss border, Kühmoos plays an essential role in maintaining regional grid stability and enabling cross-border electricity flows between Germany, France, and Switzerland. The modernization of this site is part of Germany’s broader strategy to strengthen its power infrastructure in support of growing renewable energy integration and increased electricity demand across Europe.
The Kühmoos substation serves as a major transmission hub and links to two large pumped-storage hydropower plants. With increasing power flows and the rising share of renewables in the energy mix, enhancing the reliability and capacity of such substations is crucial. The upgrades at Kühmoos are expected to improve frequency regulation, voltage stability, and power exchange across national borders, supporting both regional needs and broader European grid coordination.
GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business will be responsible for the turnkey delivery of a new 380 kV gas-insulated substation (GIS), which will replace the existing air-insulated switchgear system. The compact GIS design, which includes 15 bays and a 4 Main Busbar System, will allow for a significant capacity increase within a smaller footprint. Notably, construction will be carried out while keeping the substation operational, ensuring uninterrupted grid service throughout the project.
As part of the upgrade, the project will also include the installation of a mechanical switched capacitor with damping network (MSCDN). This technology supports improved voltage regulation and minimizes energy losses—an increasingly important feature as high-power renewable flows become more common across interconnected grids.
Dr. Rainer Pflaum, CFO at TransnetBW, said in a statement, “At the substation Kühmoos of TransnetBW, we are reinforcing a vital energy hub for both Germany and our neighbouring countries, France and Switzerland. The collaboration with GE Vernova supports our ambition to expand and future-proof our transmission network while continuing to operate reliably and safely. This modernisation is therefore a major milestone in the transformation of our grid, ensuring the electricity supply in south-western Baden-Württemberg.”
Johan Bindele, Vice President and CEO of Grid Systems Integration at GE Vernova, mentioned, “This is a landmark project for the region and a proud moment for GE Vernova. Modernizing critical grid nodes like Kühmoos is essential for supporting the long-term reliability of Europe’s power system, especially as countries expand their use of renewables and seek greater interconnection across borders. Europe is our largest market for Electrification, and we are deeply committed to supporting its energy transition. We are honored to support TransnetBW in building grid infrastructure that is both future-ready and resilient.”
This project aligns with broader European Union energy goals, which include generating about 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and nearly 90% by 2050. Achieving these targets will require investments in grid modernization, infrastructure development, and improved cross-border collaboration. Insights from the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Energy Transition Index highlight the need for increased system flexibility and resilience as electricity demand continues to grow.
By upgrading the Kühmoos grid node, GE Vernova is contributing to a more stable and interconnected European power system. The project underscores the company’s role in delivering advanced grid technologies and its ongoing commitment to enabling the energy transition through robust, future-ready infrastructure.
