The Base load in the energy industry refers to the minimum amount of electrical power required around the clock in an electricity grid to cover continuous demand. It therefore represents the lowest daily load in the electricity grid and generally remains at this level even during off-peak periods. constant. As the base load is rarely and only minimally undercut, it must be covered particularly reliably by energy generators. This electricity should be produced continuously and as independently of external influences as possible, as it is a crucial component of a stable and reliable energy supply system.
Characteristics of the base load
In Germany, the base load typically varies between 40 and 60 gigawatts, depending on the year, season and day. In contrast, for example, the maximum loads in mid-January 2024 were around 75 gigawatts and in early April 2024 between 45 and 50 gigawatts. Germany's total energy demand therefore fluctuates greatly and the base load is generated by various consumer groups. These include:
- Private households with standby devices such as televisions, monitors, laptops and other electronic devices in standby mode. This also includes network devices such as routers and receivers as well as cooling devices or pumps.
- Industrial plantsthat run in continuous operation and require a continuous power supply.
- Infrastructural consumers such as street lighting and other public facilities that contribute to the night-time base load.
Base load as the basis for capacity planning
The base load is a crucial element for stability and planning in the energy system. Due to its constant demand, it supports grid stability and helps to avoid power outages. As the base load must be covered continuously, it serves as a Reliable base loadon which the entire electricity grid can build. The base load provides a stable value for the long-term energy planning and capacity planning of power plants. This serves as the basis for the development of Supply strategies in the grid. In addition, efficient base load management plays an essential role in the integration of renewable energies such as wind and solar energy. As these are weather-dependent and fluctuate in their feed-in, the stable base load is an important support that makes it possible to balance out the irregularities of renewable energy sources in the grid.
Controllable power plants to cover the base load
In Germany, the base load has primarily been covered by base load power plants such as coal and gas-fired power plants. Due to the mostly predetermined Rigid belt operation these are considered "base load-capable" and supply a constant supply of electricity. Due to their economic and technical nature with high standby costs and low operating costs, base load power plants can only adjust their output to a limited extent, but are therefore considered a reliable basis for covering the base load. However, with the expansion of renewable energies, the Flexibility of the power supply more important. In future, the existing base load-capable power plants are to be supplemented by flexible power plants, storage solutions and load management in order to better balance out the weather-dependent energy production of renewables.
Covering the base load with a different electricity mix
The energy mix in Germany has undergone a profound change in recent years. While fossil fuels such as coal and nuclear power used to bear the main burden, renewable energies have been increasingly used since the energy transition. The current electricity mix today consists of over 50 % from renewable energiesin particular from wind and solar energy, but these are weather-dependent and are therefore fed into the grid with fluctuations.
Of particular concern here is the so-called Dark doldrums. Germany is currently relying on gas-fired power plants as a bridging technology and electricity imports to avoid bottlenecks when necessary. In the future, decentralized generation units with intelligent energy management systems, electricity and hydrogen storage systems will provide a remedy in the event of major fluctuations. The German energy system is still highly diversified, but also more vulnerable, as the availability of renewable sources, unlike conventional power plants, is not guaranteed at all times.
Challenges and prospects for the base load
The electrification of the transport and heating sectors will lead to an increase in electricity demand, meaning that an increased base load is to be expected in the future. The proportion of electric vehicles and heat pumps, for example, will continue to rise and increase overall electricity consumption. Many experts are also increasingly questioning the classic, rigid concept of base load. They are calling for a more flexible system in which supply and demand are better coordinated. Options for achieving this include intelligent load management, Sector coupling, a currentCapacity market and variable electricity tariffs that dynamically control consumption and generation. Although the base load will continue to play an important role in the energy system, its management must be adapted through technological innovations, the expansion of storage facilities and greater flexibility. This is the only way to ensure long-term security of supply and stability in the course of the energy transition.