Netze BW Drives Digital Transformation of Energy Infrastructure
Netze BW, a subsidiary of Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW), is intensifying its focus on digitalization and innovation to modernize the energy grid across Baden-Württemberg and beyond. The company is positioning itself as a central solution developer and service unit, supporting its workforce with the tools and expertise needed to navigate the evolving energy landscape.
More than 120 employees are dedicated to delivering high-quality data and digital solutions, according to internal communications. This team is actively involved in supporting the expansion and operation of both electricity and gas networks, developing customer-focused IT solutions for efficient connection and feed-in request processing, and empowering network construction partners with digital tools for project management. The goal is to efficiently and successfully shape the energy transition in Baden-Württemberg and Germany.
A key area of focus is the “Netzbetrieb und Netzanschluss” (Network Operation and Connection) product cluster, where Netze BW is pioneering advancements for the energy transition. The company is driving the digitalization of its operational and connection processes, testing innovative solutions near the grid, and developing future-proof digital tools. The team is working to advance digitalization both for customers connecting to the network and for internal users within the network connection operational units.
A significant emphasis is placed on making these digital tools understandable and appealing, effectively communicating their content to users, and providing the necessary training and qualification. This commitment to user experience reflects a broader strategy of ensuring that technological advancements translate into practical benefits for all stakeholders.
This push for digitalization comes as the energy market undergoes significant change, driven by increasing demands for renewable energy sources and evolving customer expectations. According to CGI, which is supporting Netze BW in this transformation, the company recognized the need to digitize its business model and processes to remain competitive.
Netze BW’s efforts align with a larger trend within EnBW, which is investing heavily in the energy transition. A climate transition plan released in November 2025 outlines up to €50 billion in investments by 2030 in areas such as electricity and gas grids, e-mobility, renewable energy, and hydrogen-ready gas infrastructure.
The company is also actively exploring innovative technologies. The “NETZbaustelle der Zukunft” (Future Construction Site) project serves as a testing ground for new technologies and approaches to grid expansion, aiming for more sustainable, digital, and secure construction practices. Similarly, the “NETZlabor H₂-100 Öhringen” (Öhringen H₂-100 Network Laboratory) successfully tested the conversion of an existing natural gas network to 100 percent hydrogen, demonstrating a safe and reliable operation. The “NETZinspect 2.0” project is modernizing freeline inspection using technologies like automated drones for more efficient and secure maintenance.
Further innovation is underway with the “Selbstheilendes Netz NETZlabor Allgäu” (Self-Healing Network Allgäu Network Laboratory), which investigates automated switching operations in the medium-voltage network to reduce downtime during disruptions. Here’s particularly important as the demand for reliable power increases with the adoption of technologies like heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
Siemens Energy is contributing to these efforts by building a new, eco-friendly, and digitized substation for Netze BW in Burladingen. According to Marcel Engel from Netze BW, the substation will “more closely and reliably connect Burladingen and the surrounding region with the supra-regional power grid.”
Manuel Mukkenfuss, Manager Digitalization Education at EnBW, emphasizes the importance of people in this rapidly changing digital world. Speaking in an interview in August 2025, he stated that “Technology should always make people’s lives easier,” including those of apprentices. EnBW is also exploring the use of technologies like robot dogs – specifically a Spot robot – to contribute to the success of the energy transition.
Netze BW’s commitment to digitalization is not merely a technological upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in how the company operates and delivers energy services, positioning it as a key player in Germany’s energy future. The company is actively seeking individuals to join its mission and contribute to shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow.
