Wind power surplus triggers major blackout in western Schleswig-Holstein
A widespread power outage hit western Schleswig-Holstein after an overvoltage forced several substations to shut down, prompting warnings from former environment senator Fritz Vahrenholt.
In western Schleswig-Holstein a large-scale power failure was triggered by an overvoltage that led to the automatic shutdown of several substations, the grid operator SH explained. The surge resulted from electricity production outpacing consumption, causing appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers to malfunction and sockets to emit smoke. Former Hamburg environment senator Fritz Vahrenholt warned that the area has the highest density of wind farms in Germany and that wind generation can be five times the regional demand, forcing surplus power to be transmitted elsewhere.
He cited a recent incident on 17 October when many turbines had to be curtailed, yet a blackout still occurred. Technicians also discovered a damaged conductor rope near Itzehoe, which is being examined for its role in the outage. Vahrenholt predicts that similar blackouts may become more frequent as renewable overproduction grows.
Why it matters
The event highlights challenges of integrating high levels of wind power into the grid and the risk of outages for consumers.
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