2018 – Revamped substation with GIS technology will secure and enhance power for about 65,000 customers in eastern district ABB will supply compact gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) to one of the leading German utilities to strengthen the distribution network and supply reliable electricity to residents in the Berlin-Kaulsdorf neighborhood is home to around 3.6 million people and growing The Wuhletal substation is located in the eastern district of Marzahn an urban oasis with several unique parks and green-belt areas the new substation will supply electricity to more than 3,500 commercial businesses and 65,000 households Stromnetz Berlin is investing in a new gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation to replace an aging one ABB will design and supply a 110-kilovolt (kV) GIS for the project GIS technology was chosen as a reliable solution with a compact footprint capable of freeing up to 90 percent of land space compared to conventional air-insulated switchgear This enables substations to be built indoors within urban areas where land is scarce and costly while preserving the aesthetics of the cityscape “We are pleased to support Stromnetz Berlin in the development of more reliable grid infrastructure to supply electricity to consumers and businesses in the city” Head of ABB’s High Voltage Products business a part of the company’s Power Grids division ABB’s innovative GIS technology will help to address the challenge of urbanization preserving valuable space and maintaining the city’s aesthetics.” ABB pioneered GIS technology 50 years ago and continues to drive innovations in this space a GIS controls and protects the network from power outages It facilitates reliable supply of electricity and can be safely operated in confined spaces and harsh environments having installed more than 30,000 bays worldwide ABB has continued to innovate and make significant advances in this technology including higher transmission capacity with ever reducing footprint ABB offers ratings and applications from 72.5 kV to 1200 kV and ABB’s latest offering includes eco-efficient and digital capabilities Contact: Head of Communications, Power Grids division, ABB, Harmeet Bawa, harmeet.bawa@ch.abb.com Federal Minister for Building Klara Geywitz visited Vonovia's “BUWOG Hygge Höfe” residential quarter During the tour of the construction site in Berlin-Kaulsdorf the focus was also on the serially prefabricated and sustainable timber construction method and the general situation on the housing market is building a total of 167 new apartments as well as semi-detached and terraced houses to the highest standards Federal Minister for Building: “In large cities like Berlin the housing market is currently under pressure The search for a new home is proving very difficult for many people here in particular That's why I'm delighted about construction projects like the one by Vonovia and BUWOG in Kaulsdorf We need many more construction projects like this one The introduction of a declining balance depreciation for housing construction from October 1 should help to accelerate housing construction in our country.” CEO of Vonovia SE: “It was a pleasure to welcome Klara Geywitz to our construction site today She had the opportunity to see for herself that we are – as announced – completing new construction projects that have already been started at full speed despite the currently very difficult market conditions and high financing costs we are realizing a modern and innovative construction project in Berlin using the timber frame construction method.” The BUWOG Hygge Höfe are being built in Kaulsdorf And all of this is being done using a particularly environmentally friendly and highly innovative wood construction method The components for six different types of building will be delivered to the construction site completely prefabricated A few hundred meters near the Kaulsdorf Lakes the Hygge Höfe are being built on over 14,000 m² in the midst of an intact infrastructure With one-room apartments on 45 m² up to semi-detached and terraced houses on 160 m² thought has also been given to underground parking outdoor as well as bicycle parking and playgrounds The plans also take into account the highest sustainability requirements: During the construction phase alone more than 5,000 tons of CO₂ will be saved thanks to the timber construction method Completion is scheduled for the course of 2025 it is no longer starting any new construction projects at present due to the difficult market conditions All projects already under construction are being implemented consistently and promptly the Bochum-based DAX Group completed more than 400 apartments This means that numerous residential units will also be added in the following quarters Vonovia's unchanged objective is to create affordable housing which is at present not feasible due to the current market conditions Whereas a square meter used to cost 3,000 euros to build The average rent in Vonovia's portfolio in Germany is currently 7.50 euros/m².