Market-based procurement of reactive power in accordance with Section 12h EnWG

At the beginning of 2023, the Federal Network Agency initiated a determination procedure in accordance with “Sections 12h (5), 29 (1) EnWG on the specifications and technical requirements for the transparent, non-discriminatory and market-based procurement of the non-frequency-based system service ”voltage regulation services (“reactive power”).

This determination was published on 25.06.2024 with the associated decision on the website of the Federal Network Agency in Germany.

The contracting of reactive power and / or work is carried out by grid operators of extra-high and high-voltage grids for suitable installations on their grid.

  • Up to 12 months after determination, operators of extra-high and high-voltage grids are obliged to issue a market-based tender for reactive power in at least one region if reactive power is required.
  • The grid operator must have initiated a market-based procurement process for all grid regions by 36 months after determination if there is a need.

The “Reactive power” procurement concept BK6-23-072 regulates the framework for

  • Participation requirements
  • Product definitions (e.g. secured or unsecured provision)
  • Deadlines
  • Publication
  • Evaluation of bids and award of contract
  • Remuneration and invoicing (provision outside the limits according to TAB is eligible for remuneration)
  • Publication obligations, e.g. for model contract and price caps used

Provider consultation of the model contract for the period 07.04.2025 - 30.04.2025

Online procurement calendar

The following procurement regions were formed for the procurement of reactive power (as of 06/2025):

Source: Transmission system operators

Contact to the TSOs

If you have any questions about the model contract for the market-based procurement of reactive power, please contact the responsible TSO.

You can also find the allocation of the individual substations to the procurement regions in tabular form here

The phasing of procurement is currently planned or has already taken place as follows:

PROCURING TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATORPROCUREMENT REGIONEXPECTED START OF PROCUREMENT (ANNOUNCEMENT)
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-HamburgCarried out 31st of january 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-NordCarried out 31st of january 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-MitteCarried out 31st of january 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-OstCarried out 31st of january 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-Süd-WestCarried out 31st of january 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-HamburgQ3 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-NordQ3 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-MitteQ3 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-OstQ3 2025
50Hertz Transmission GmbH50Hertz-Süd-WestQ3 2025
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-1Mid 2026
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-2Mid 2027
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-3Carried out 24th of june 2025
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-4Mid 2026
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-5Mid 2027
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-6Mid 2027
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-7Mid 2027
TenneT TSO GmbHTTG-8Mid 2026
Amprion GmbHAMP-1No invitation to tender planned for the time being
Amprion GmbHAMP-2Carried out 24th of june 2025
Amprion GmbHAMP-3Carried out 24th of june 2025
Amprion GmbHAMP-4Carried out 24th of june 2025
Amprion GmbHAMP-5Carried out 24th of june 2025
Amprion GmbHAMP-6Carried out 24th of june 2025
Amprion GmbHAMP-7Carried out 24th of june 2025
Amprion GmbHAMP-8Carried out 24th of june 2025
Amprion GmbHAMP-9Carried out 24th of june 2025
TransnetBW GmbHTBW-1Mid 2027
TransnetBW GmbHTBW-2Carried out 18th of june 2025
TransnetBW GmbHTBW-3Mid 2026

The above information represents the current, non-binding planning status as of 25.06.2025 and will be updated as required. The specific products, provision periods, requirements and other information relevant to procurement will be published on the website of the respective TSO as part of the announcement at the times specified above.

Contact to the TSOs

Interested parties are welcome to contact the responsible TSO if they have any questions about the market-based procurement of reactive power: