The energy sector is currently going through a phase of unprecedented upheaval and faces major challenges, following the decision taken by the German government to withdraw from the nuclear energy programme as well as transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Power supply and grid operating activities that have evolved over decades and which occasionally resemble a regional monopoly are having to be adapted to the new market conditions. An unforeseeable dynamic is affecting requirements in terms of energy procurement, the unpredictability of decisions being made by the regulatory authorities and customer conduct in changing provider. Furthermore, the construction and integration of renewable energy systems often require great investment in grid expansion. Only companies willing to develop new supply structures and fields of business will succeed in actively implementing the energy transition. This also entails training their own specialists to counteract the skills shortage, proceeding with automation and digitalisation to simplify ongoing processes, and taking part in economically viable collaborations. Various factors are changing the way people view things in general, with customers starting to rate companies according to their ecological concept before selecting them as their provider. One such company is the utility “Stadtwerke Ludwigslust-Grabow GmbH”, with business lawyer Viola Bortsch at the helm since 2022.
Stadtwerke Ludwigslust-Grabow are the municipal utility company responsible for all energy and water supplies throughout the region. They operate distribution grids for electricity, gas and heat in the towns of Ludwigslust and Grabow together with the surrounding area.
Viola Bortsch is a dynamic enabler, driving force and coach behind the renewable energy projects. She is seen as a team player in launching asset management and organising new projects and ideas for customers, partners and industry. “Despite the strong competition and growing pressure to return a profit, my aspiration is to be a strong partner for the region and for those who live here. I’d like to create added values with intelligent solutions and collaborations, and make people consciously aware of energy issues. I want to get the local population involved as an economic factor that points the forward when it comes to energy and the environment”, says the young woman resolutely. After all, she knows the region well after growing up in the vicinity and studying in Wismar; she also lives here with her family. This is what keeps her batteries charged, together with her team of staff. “I’m motivated by the great potential offered by Stadtwerke Ludwigslust-Grabow”, says Viola Bortsch with a smile.
Her successful achievements to date including implementing and expanding electromobility in Ludwigslust and Grabow. 15 public charging points have been installed in Ludwigslust, a small town with a population of 12,000, including three hyper-chargers and twelve normal charging points.. Grabow already has two service stations for electric vehicles, with more to follow. There are also plans to expand the private customer sector, including hotels and home nursing services.
Furthermore, the company holds energy attribute certificates from First Climate Markets for its green electricity AG and from TÜV Nord for its green gas. “Lewitzenergie” is an established, acknowledged brand. In 2021, the German Society for Consumer Studies awarded Stadtwerke Ludwigslust-Grabow 2021 the accolade “Outstanding Regional Provider of Gas and Electricity”, essentially due to sustainability and regional commitment, good service and diverse tariff options. Last but not least, the “Employer of the Future Award 2023” that the company received from the German Innovation Institute for Sustainability and Digitalisation shows that the focus is always on people.
Solutions for heat transformation
Viola Bortsch has the transformation of heat processes right at the top of the agenda. She wants to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy supply that covers all the region’s needs, aiming to achieve the highest possible self-sufficiency. The focus here is on wind turbines and photovoltaic arrays with scope for public participation. Tenant electricity models are also available, helping to enhance acceptance. The aim is to generate only enough electricity to meet actual consumption demand. However, sometimes things simply do not move fast enough for the CEO, such as the approval procedures for two wind farms that were submitted in 2018, where there is still no end in sight.
There are plans for the company’s heat supply activities, which still mainly run on gas, to be put on a new footing by 2035. Various technologies will be used for heat transformation, thus replacing fossil fuels in part. These include expanding the generation of heat from biogas, using large-scale heat pumps for whole quarters and introducing pilot hydrogen projects. Furthermore, the company sees two exposed sources that could make a crucial contribution to heat transformation. “The thermal waste utilisation plant is being modified so that the resulting heat flows into our district heating grid. Waste is thus converted into a source of energy”, explains Viola Bortsch, who sees this variant as a transitional solution for the next ten to fifteen years. By then, geothermal energy should also have been expanded to a point where it can replace 51 percent of fossil natural gas. “Current studies have given us the confirmation we need that thermal utilisation is possible. This would be a long-term solution for both towns”, says the utility CEO. By 2035, she wants to reduce Ludwigslust’s carbon footprint from currently 23,000 tonnes p.a. to 6,531 tonnes p.a., while decreasing the use of fossil energy from 104 gigawatt hours p.a. to 31 gigawatt hours p.a.
Public service
About three years ago, the utility company started to give overriding priority to public service once more. This includes among others Technical Safety Management (TSM) – an instrument for voluntary self-regulation. It helps to recognise weak points, optimise workflows and increase awareness for hazards and occupational safety. “In 2023, we were successfully recertified for electricity, gas and water. All action plans for electricity, gas and water are up to date. We have updated all crisis manuals as well, and completed crisis tests”, confirms the CEO. Moreover, she devotes specific attention to the technical safety of all the plants, systems and workflows, as well as the security of supply. Background: as operators of critical infrastructure, the utility company is obliged to take appropriate organisational and technical precautions to avoid disruptions which would have a major impact on the functionality of the critical infrastructure that they operate. Risk and crisis management are therefore also things dealt with by Viola Bortsch.
Stadtwerke Ludwigslust-Grabow GmbH (as at 2023)
- Private customers: 17,000
- Commercial customers: 1,050
- Public customers: 300
- Grid area: 48.61 km2
- Power supply line: 264 km
- District heating pipeline: 13.14 km
- Employees: 34
- Trainees: 6
- Annual turnover: 38 million Euro
Regional commitment
The utility’s commitment in the region aims not just to promote sport and culture but also to make people aware of the issues involved in environmental and climate protection. It begins at an early age when children are given water bottles on the day they start school. The Children’s University on the State Energy Day provides insights into modern energy supply. The company also has its own educational activities, including guided tours of the waterworks on the World Water Day. Customers opting for the Lewitzstrom Eco Plus Tariff contribute at the same time to projects such as tree planting and creating flowering meadows.
According to Viola Bortsch, the utility’s motto is “Open-minded for new things”, and she applies this to herself as well. “The energy sector is changing all the time and is currently facing major challenges. There’s still lots to be done in terms of customer-generated electricity. Reliable grid operation depends crucially on concession rights and good regulation management. Sound financial resources play an important role in implementing the transition and ensuring continuance. But the status quo needs a breath of fresh air”, says the CEO.
Stadtwerke Ludwigslust-Grabow GmbH
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