50Hertz

What 50Hertz does

50Hertz Transmission GmbH is a regulated transmission system operator (TSO) headquartered in Berlin, Germany, responsible for operating the 380 kV extra-high-voltage electricity grid across eastern Germany — including Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, parts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and the city-state of Berlin. The company is wholly owned by Eurogrid GmbH, which is controlled by the Belgian Elia Group following a 2019 acquisition. 50Hertz plays a central role in Germany's energy transition by connecting offshore wind farms in the German Baltic Sea and North Sea to the onshore grid through high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter platforms (Ostwind 2/3/4, LanWin3, North Sea Connector 1/2, Gennaker, Combined Grid Solution, Hansa PowerBridge, Bornholm Energy Island) and by operating onshore HVDC and EHV AC corridors (SuedOstLink, NordOstLink, South-West Interconnector, Uckermark Line, Röhrsdorf–Weida–Remptendorf reinforcement).

The company's technology stack centers on 380 kV AC overhead-line infrastructure and 2 GW-scale HVDC converter systems, with grid-stabilization hardware including STATCOM units from GE Vernova and integrated battery-storage and reactive-power market platforms. 50Hertz generates revenue through regulated grid usage fees set by the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), supplemented by balancing energy and system services, congestion management, and balance group coordination. Capex is funded through regulated asset base returns and green bond issuance at the parent level (EUR 800 million in June 2025), supporting an unprecedented EUR 23 billion five-year investment plan to 2028.

Go-to-market is institutional rather than commercial: 50Hertz acquires major infrastructure projects through regulated tendering, negotiates grid connection agreements directly with offshore wind developers (e.g., Skyborn Renewables for Gennaker), and pursues cross-border interconnector projects through government-level agreements and EU Projects of Common Interest (PCI) status (e.g., Baltic–German PowerLink with Lithuania and Latvia). Customer segments span distribution system operators, industrial grid users, offshore wind farm developers, balancing group responsible parties, and international TSOs (TenneT, Energinet, Elia, Litgrid, Augstsprieguma tīkls), with the company positioning itself as a regulated monopoly backbone for renewable integration in eastern Germany and the broader Baltic–North Sea energy system.

Name

50Hertz

Legal name

50Hertz Transmission GmbH

Website

https://50hertz.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

50Hertz is a regulated German transmission system operator (TSO), headquartered in Berlin and owned by Belgium's Elia Group, that operates the 380 kV extra-high-voltage grid across eastern Germany. It connects offshore wind in the Baltic and North Seas to onshore demand via HVDC and EHV projects and provides regulated grid, balancing, and system services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electricity Transmission Services

NAICS

Electric Bulk Power Transmission and Control (221121), Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

HV Transmission Asset Owners (Transmission Companies/Transcos) (EUADAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

HVAC Transmission Lines (EHV/UHV Overhead & Underground) (EUADAAAD), Transmission Substations & High-Voltage Switchyards (EUADAAAF), HVDC Cables & Overhead Lines (Subsea, Underground, Overhead) (EUADAMAB), HVDC Converter Stations & HVDC Transmission EPC (EUAEABAD), Flexible AC Transmission—Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) & Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) (EUADAMAK), Reactive Power & Power Quality Equipment (Capacitor Banks, Reactors, STATCOM/SVC, Harmonic Filters) (IMAGAAAG), Long-Term Transmission Planning (RTO/ISO, Regional & Interregional) (EUADAGAA), Cross-Border Interconnectors & Regional Transmission Coordination (EUADAAAB)

Keywords

• High-voltage transmission
• Transmission system operator
• Offshore grid connection
• Electricity grid infrastructure
• System balancing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Grid usage fees (regulated revenue): As a regulated TSO, 50Hertz generates revenue through regulated grid usage fees collected from grid customers (distribution system operators, industrial users, energy producers) for use of the transmission infrastructure. Revenue is subject to regulatory oversight by the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).
2. Balancing energy and system services: Revenue from providing system balancing services, control reserve capacity, and other system services required to maintain grid stability and security of supply.
3. EU and national grid expansion funding: Grid infrastructure investments are partially supported through EU subsidies (e.g., for Projects of Common Interest) and national funding mechanisms, alongside regulated investment allowances.
4. Green bond issuance: 50Hertz's parent company Eurogrid raised EUR 800 million through green bond sales to fund sustainable grid infrastructure projects.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

50Hertz Transmission GmbH operates the 380/220 kV extra-high-voltage electricity transmission grid across eastern Germany (Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, parts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Berlin) as a regulated transmission system operator (TSO). It builds offshore wind grid connections via HVDC converter platforms, develops onshore 380 kV overhead lines and HVDC corridors, and provides system services including grid control, balancing energy, congestion management, and market communication to DSOs, industrial customers, renewable producers, and balancing group participants.

Product overview

50Hertz is a German transmission system operator (TSO) managing high-voltage electricity transmission across eastern Germany, including the city of Berlin. The company operates as a platform of infrastructure projects and operational services: offshore grid connection projects (Ostwind 2/3/4, LanWin3, Bornholm Energy Island, Hansa PowerBridge, Combined Grid Solution, Baltic 1/2, North Sea Connector 2) and onshore transmission projects (SuedOstLink, NordOstLink, South-West Interconnector, Uckermark Line, Röhrsdorf-Weida-Remptendorf reinforcement) that collectively enable renewable energy integration; and operational services including system control (grid control, balancing, redispatch), market communication, grid usage and congestion management, balancing reserve, and reactive power markets. The company has also partnered on large-scale battery storage projects including Project Jupiter. Key consortium partners include GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Dragados Offshore for converter systems, with parent company Eurogrid International.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ostwind 2 Offshore wind farm grid connection project in the German Baltic Sea that connects wind farms to the mainland grid via HVDC technology, part of 50Hertz's Ostwind offshore grid expansion program.
• Ostwind 3 Offshore wind farm grid connection project in the Baltic Sea involving both onshore and offshore substations, part of the Ostwind offshore grid expansion program for the German Baltic Sea.
• Ostwind 4 2 GW offshore wind grid connection project in the German Baltic Sea, with the first AC/DC converter system in German Baltic Sea waters under its territorial waters regulation. GE Vernova consortium awarded the converter contract.
• North Sea Connector 2 Offshore wind power-conversion platform project for the North Sea, part of the NordOstLink HVDC link, delivering 2 GW capacity with offshore and onshore converters, commissioning targeted for end of 2034. First time 2 GW offshore converter platforms of the new standard will be predominantly manufactured in Germany.
• LanWin3 Offshore wind connection project in the German North Sea using HVDC technology, involving a major HVDC converter station. EUR 2.9 billion contract awarded to Dragados Offshore and Siemens Energy.
• Bornholm Energy Island HVDC offshore interconnector project in the Baltic Sea connecting multiple countries' electricity grids as a hub.
• SuedOstLink Onshore HVDC transmission link that connects wind energy from northern Germany to southern consumption centers.
• NordOstLink Onshore HVDC transmission corridor connecting offshore wind capacity from the North Sea to the mainland grid, forming the onshore segment of the NordOstLink HVDC corridor alongside the North Sea Connector 2 project.
• Uckermark Line 380 kV overhead transmission line of approximately 115 km connecting the Bertikow substation near Prenzlau to Neuenhagen in northern Berlin, with a EUR 130 million investment.
• South-West Interconnector 380 kV overhead line from Lauchstädt substation in Saxony-Anhalt through Vieselbach to Altenfeld and the state border with Bavaria. Approximately 160 km long with a EUR 320 million investment; classified as a Project of Common Interest (PCI).
• Röhrsdorf-Weida-Remptendorf Grid Reinforcement Grid reinforcement of an existing 100 km 380 kV overhead line between Röhrsdorf and Remptendorf, increasing transfer capacity by approximately 40%.
• Combined Grid Solution (CGS) Cross-border offshore grid project connecting offshore wind farms in the Kriegers Flak area to both German and Danish grids via shared infrastructure.
• Hansa PowerBridge European offshore wind power interconnection project linking German and Swedish grids via HVDC technology.
• Baltic 1 First offshore wind farm grid connection in the German Baltic Sea, connected since 2011.
• Baltic 2 Second offshore wind farm grid connection project in the German Baltic Sea.
• System Control Services System control services covering grid control, system balancing, grid availability management, and redispatch operations to maintain grid stability and security of supply in the 50Hertz control area.
• Market Communication Services Market communication services, balancing group coordination, and system services for grid customers and balancing group customers, enabling electricity market participation in the 50Hertz control area.
• Reactive Power Market Market-based procurement of reactive power from renewables and battery storage, enabling inverter-based assets to participate in system services for grid stability.
• Grid Usage and Congestion Management European internal energy market services including grid usage and congestion management for both international and national cross-border flows.
• Balancing Reserve Services Balancing reserve services providing revenue opportunities for control reserve capacity and control energy to maintain frequency stability in the control area.
• Battery Storage Grid Connection Procedure Maturity-based grid connection procedure for large battery storage systems (100 MW+), replacing the first-come first-served approach with evaluation based on land availability, permitting status, technical concepts, economic viability, and contribution to grid stability.
• Grid Stabilizing STATCOM Systems Four STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) units contracted from GE Vernova to provide grid-stabilizing reactive power, enabling integration of renewable energy sources into the 50Hertz transmission grid.
• Project Jupiter Grid Connection Grid connection for Project Jupiter in Brandenburg - Germany's largest co-located battery energy storage system (500 MW / 2,000 MWh) and solar PV (up to 150 MWp) project, sharing a connection to 50Hertz's 380 kV line.
• Baltic-German PowerLink 2 GW hybrid offshore electricity interconnector of approximately 600 km planned to connect the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia) to Germany, supporting electricity exports, offshore wind integration, and energy security, with feasibility studies underway and EU PCI designation sought by Q3 2026; targeted completion by 2037.
• Ostwind 1 Concluded offshore wind grid connection project in the German Baltic Sea from the Ostwind program, listed among 50Hertz's completed offshore grid projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Offshore wind grid connection capacity of up to 927 MW for Gennaker wind farm through platform cooperation agreement
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Siemens Energy and Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables (NSORe) ConsortiumcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 June 202650Hertz awarded a turnkey contract to a consortium comprising Siemens Energy and Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables (NSORe) to construct converter systems for the North Sea Connector 2 project (part of NordOstLink HVDC link). The contract includes offshore converters in the North Sea and onshore converters near Schwerin, with commissioning end of 2034. Negotiations are underway for North Sea Connector 1 of the same scale, with combined volume of approximately EUR 2.5 billion. The project will create 500+ long-term jobs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
• Njord SurveyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 28 April 2026Swedish offshore survey company Njord Survey signed a separate framework agreement with 50Hertz for offshore wind development surveys in the German Baltic Sea. The agreement involves high-resolution geophysical surveys using low CO2e emission vessel operations as part of 50Hertz's offshore wind development program.
• Elia, Energinet, TenneT (European TSO subsea cable collaboration)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 April 2026Five European TSOs signed a memorandum of understanding at WindEurope's Annual Event in Madrid to cooperate on offshore subsea cable infrastructure in the North Sea. Working through four thematic groups over at least one year to assess collaboration on repair procedures, spare parts, fault detection, and resource mapping. Initiative aims to improve affordability, efficiency, and reliability of Europe's electricity system as offshore wind capacity grows.
• Litgrid and Augstsprieguma tīkls (Baltic–German PowerLink)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026Lithuania, Latvia, and Germany signed a joint declaration to explore the Baltic–German PowerLink, a 2 GW hybrid offshore electricity interconnector spanning 600 km. The three countries' transmission operators (Litgrid, Augstsprieguma tīkls, and 50Hertz) committed to feasibility studies including cost-benefit analysis and financing structures, with potential PCI designation and EU funding sought by Q3 2026. Project targets completion by 2037.
• Skyborn RenewablescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 January 202650Hertz and Skyborn Renewables signed a platform cooperation agreement for the Gennaker offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea, establishing the legal framework for two offshore converter platforms with combined grid connection capacity of up to 927 MW. The agreement resolves regulatory uncertainties tied to connecting offshore wind farms in German territorial waters and clears the way for full commissioning by mid-2028. Gennaker (976.5 MW) is Germany's first offshore wind farm to be connected under its territorial waters regulation.
• Energinet (Baltic Sea Energy Hub)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 202550Hertz and Energinet secured EU funding for the Baltic Sea Energy Hub, a joint initiative to develop offshore energy infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region. The project aims to create an interconnected offshore energy hub supporting renewable energy integration across the Baltic Sea region.
• TenneT (Green Grid Compass)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 202550Hertz and TenneT launched the Green Grid Compass for electricity bidding data, a joint initiative to improve transparency and data sharing in the European electricity market. The tool provides standardized data on grid operations and market information.
• GE Vernova and Drydocks World (Ostwind 4)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 16 December 202450Hertz selected GE Vernova and Drydocks World to deliver the Ostwind 4 project, the first AC/DC converter system in the German Baltic Sea. GE Vernova secured the 2 GW contract for the offshore grid connection. The project represents a milestone for Germany's offshore wind expansion under its territorial waters regulation. Germany is considering backing the construction with up to EUR 300 million in loan guarantees.
• GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi Electric, and other technology leaders (HVDC hub partnership)coreTechnology or Integration · 15 July 2024German TSOs (50Hertz and TenneT) partnered with technology leaders including GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Electric to develop innovative multiterminal HVDC hubs. The initiative aims to revolutionize HVDC grid infrastructure by enabling multi-terminal connections, which is considered an important building block for a climate-neutral European grid. This is a flagship European strategic collaboration to advance offshore HVDC technology.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TenneT (TenneT TSO GmbH / TenneT Holding B.V.): Dutch-German TSO operating high-voltage grids in the Netherlands and large parts of Germany, including major North Sea offshore wind connection programs. Directly comparable as one of four German TSOs and a peer in the Offshore TSO Collaboration and HVDC hub partnership with 50Hertz.
• TransnetBW: One of the four German TSOs covering Baden-Württemberg. Directly comparable as a regulated TSO responsible for extra-high-voltage transmission in its control area, with major HVDC projects like SuedLink under development alongside 50Hertz peers.
• Energinet: Danish TSO for electricity and gas. Direct peer as a North Sea/Baltic TSO collaborating with 50Hertz on the Baltic Sea Energy Hub, Bornholm Energy Island, Combined Grid Solution, and the European TSO subsea cable collaboration.
• Elia Group: Belgian TSO and majority owner of 50Hertz via Eurogrid. Directly comparable as a regulated European TSO operating the Belgian high-voltage grid and developing the Princess Elisabeth Zone offshore hub; 50Hertz is its German operating subsidiary.
• Amprion: One of the four German TSOs operating the extra-high-voltage grid in western Germany. Directly comparable as a regulated German TSO executing a multi-billion-EUR grid expansion program and developing HVDC projects such as A-Nord and Ultranet.

Broad incumbents

• Statnett: Norwegian TSO operating the Norwegian main grid and developing North Sea offshore interconnectors (e.g., North Sea Network, Skagerrak). Comparable as a European TSO executing offshore grid build-out and HVDC interconnector projects adjacent to 50Hertz's scope.
• RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité): French TSO and one of the largest in Europe, with significant HVDC interconnector and offshore grid programs. Comparable as a large regulated European TSO executing multi-decade capex programs for the energy transition.
• National Grid (National Grid Electricity Transmission): UK TSO operating the England and Wales high-voltage transmission system. Comparable as a large regulated European TSO with offshore wind connection programs and HVDC interconnectors, though operating in a different regulatory and geographic market.

Regional players

• Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST): Latvian TSO and joint partner with 50Hertz and Litgrid on the Baltic–German PowerLink. Comparable as a smaller Baltic TSO participating in the same cross-border interconnector initiative with 50Hertz.
• Litgrid: Lithuanian TSO and partner with 50Hertz on the Baltic–German PowerLink and Baltic Sea offshore integration. Comparable as a Baltic regional TSO involved in cross-border interconnector development with 50Hertz.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/50HertzTransmission
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• Instagraminstagram.com/50hertz
• Xx.com/50Hertzcom

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 50Hertz