Jacobs Secures Framework to Expand Germany's Renewable Energy Grid

Jacobs has been selected as one of several service providers under a seven-year multidisciplinary framework agreement with TransnetBW, one of Germany's four transmission system operators, to support grid expansion programmes aimed at modernising the country's energy network and integrating more renewable energy. The scope covers project controls and risk management, engineering, permitting, environmental protection, system technology, site investigation and construction oversight, spanning the full project lifecycle from early planning through construction. TransnetBW retains overall responsibility and project governance for the programmes.

 

The framework builds on Jacobs' prior work in Germany, including SuedLink, one of the world's largest underground high-voltage power cable projects, positioning the company as an established delivery partner for the country's transmission infrastructure buildout. Jacobs currently employs more than 300 people across three German offices.

 

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Grid expansion has become a central requirement of Germany's energy transition as the country works to integrate growing renewable generation while maintaining supply security amid rising electrification across industry, transport and heating. Transmission infrastructure that was designed for a more centralised, fossil-fuel-based generation mix needs substantial upgrading to handle the more distributed and variable output of wind and solar, which is why transmission operators like TransnetBW are running multiple concurrent expansion programmes rather than isolated projects.

 

Jacobs Executive Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh said the award reflected the increasing scale and integration required to modernise energy networks, combining programme management, technical delivery and environmental expertise to support the expansion while managing regulatory compliance and long-term system resilience. TransnetBW chief executive Werner Götz said expanding and modernising transmission infrastructure was essential to integrate renewable energy and maintain security of supply, and that working with experienced partners such as Jacobs helped deliver the projects at the scale required.