einfachNETZ: The digital application process for grid connections – explained from a practical perspective

I would like to show you why the launch of http://www.einfachNETZ.de on November 13, 2025, is much more than “just” a new website—and how we are using it to take speed, quality, and compliance in the grid connection process to a whole new level.

Why now? Market, regulation—and the launch on November 13, 2025

The energy transition is taking place in the mass market: heat pumps, PV systems, wall boxes – everything is coming at once and generating thousands of grid connection requests that distribution system operators (DSOs) must process efficiently and in compliance with the law. Since January 1, 2024, Section 14e of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) has required DSOs to provide a digital application process; and from January 1, 2025, standardized web portals and content for renewable energy systems up to 30 kilowatts will also be required (Section 8 (7) EEG). The goal is clear: standardize, accelerate, create transparency.

With the launch of einfachNETZ on November 13, 2025, we are combining this regulatory obligation and market requirements in a user-centered digital solution. The website is the entry point to an end-to-end process that works equally well from the perspective of DSOs, installers, and applicants – fast, clear, and audit-proof.

einfachNETZ is a central web platform for grid connections that can be seamlessly integrated into existing websites. No additional software installation is required, as maintenance and hosting are organized centrally. The platform runs on a cloud infrastructure operated by adesso in Germany and meets the highest security requirements in accordance with KRITIS specifications. Any necessary adjustments resulting from future changes in legislation are also implemented centrally and are automatically available to all users.

What exactly does einfachNETZ address – and why is that important to you?

A legal obligation, solved in a practical way. You should be aware that the digital application process is not a “nice-to-have” but an obligation.

Section 14e of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) requires digital access and defines the joint internet platform as a springboard to the responsible network operator.

Section 8 of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) (specified in more detail in paragraph 7 since 2025) requires web portals and uniform content for renewable energy systems up to 30 kW so that applications can be standardized, checked for plausibility, and processed on time.

Advantages for DSOs and applicants:

• Speed: Guided data entry and automatic completeness checks reduce queries and rework.
• Quality: Uniform data and seamless communication improve reviews and decisions.
• Compliance: Deadlines and information requirements from EnWG/EEG are technically secured in the process.

Technological basis and further development (SaaS by adesso)

adesso has developed and operates the technical basis for the digital grid connection process as a SaaS platform. The platform is continuously being further developed in terms of technology and functionality in order to meet the current BNetzA/EEG/NAV requirements. The portal has a modular structure and scales from meeting minimum requirements to fully integrated end-to-end processes, including transfers to SAP S/4HANA via BTP or other ERP systems.

Technologically, we rely on modern, cloud-based web architectures (cloud/SaaS, container orchestration, web front end/service back end, API-first). The architecture is upgradeable and multi-tenant capable. It is designed to quickly integrate regulatory changes into productive operation. In technical terms, this means less project effort per release, fast compliance updates, and stable operating and service processes (application management, defined service/maintenance services).

Cooperation between TransnetBW and adesso – why this model is special

I have been involved in the cooperation with einfachNETZ from the very beginning. A combination of transmission system operator and technology company is rare in the market – and has enormous advantages due to the clear distribution of roles.

• TransnetBW: Our tasks include market knowledge and access, product planning, customer support, and joint communication with VNBs, installers, and project developers. The transparency tools created here (grid connection overview, BKZ information, grid connection map) are incorporated into product development.
• adesso: Technical implementation, operation/hosting and application management, defined services, and continuous further development of the SaaS platform with variants for different expansion stages and integration scenarios (such as SAP/BTP) are included.

This equal partnership combines regulatory proximity with technological speed. It is precisely this combination of in-depth industry expertise and high technological implementation speed that makes the model unique. The platform combines regulatory proximity with rapid technical implementation. For DSOs, this means fast market launch, reliable operation, and compliance by design.

The product in practice: features that matter

I would like to give you a concise overview of what the platform can do—and how you can benefit from it:

• Landing page and guided intake: Access via the website with a guided process, context-specific questions, uploads, and plausibility checks. Benefits: fewer queries, higher first-hit quality.
• User/rights management (distribution system operators, installers, and customers): Multi-client capability, role concepts, audit logs. Benefits: clear responsibilities, audit compliance.
• Communication and automatic status notifications: Event-driven updates to applicants, reduced hotline/email load. Benefits: transparency, satisfaction, lower process costs.
• Grid connection/EEG application management: End-to-end including checks in accordance with Section 8 EEG, deadlines and information obligations technically mapped. Benefits: compliance, speed.
• API integrations and backend transfers: Transfer to SAP/S/4HANA via BTP or alternative ERP systems; workflow control across divisions and teams. Benefits: automation, no media discontinuity.
• Accessibility and CI adaptation: mModern UX, aa/aaa-compliant templates, corporate branding. Benefits: Accessibility, brand management.

For the benefit of specialist readers: The einfachNETZ platform covers all functional variants, including an installer directory and temporary connections. Internal process integration is essential here: The platform addresses not only the end customer interface, but also the back-office cost drivers.

Architecture (simplified) – what's behind the platform

I deliberately keep it pragmatic: cloud/SaaS, containerized services (including Kubernetes), web front end (e.g., Angular), service back end (e.g., NestJS), document/metadata store, and API-first for ERP/GIS/EDM integrations. This cloud-based future of grid connection enables fast releases, multi-tenant operation, and scalable performance when project loads increase seasonally.

Practical benefits by role

• VNB: Fewer media breaks, automated status communication, consistent workflow control across divisions; compliance without special processes.
• Installers: Guided registration, uniform data requirements, fast feedback – less back-and-forth and waiting times.
• End customers: Clear process, transparency, digital completion instead of paper forms; status at a glance, fewer questions.

Conclusion and outlook: From go-live to scaling

I come back to the initial question: Why is the go-live on November 13, 2025, so relevant? Because einfachNETZ combines the “what” of regulation (mandatory digital route) with the “how” of practice (fast, secure, and transparent processes). This is supported by the transparency of TransnetBW (grid connection overview, BKZ, and grid connection map) and by an SaaS platform from adesso, which provides continuous regulatory updates and professionalization.