50 Hz – how we avoid a blackout

The topic of blackouts has been on everyone’s lips for months.

What actually happens technically when Europe’s power supply collapses and has to be rebuilt? What consequences would that have for the people in Vorarlberg and in the European interconnected grid? From the point of view of the Vorarlberg state energy supplier illwerke vkw, it is clear: they are well prepared. Even before a blackout occurs, countless system protection plans and measures take effect to prevent such a scenario. And if it does happen, its black-start-capable generators make it an important initiator in restarting the European interconnected grid.

• What are the mechanisms that take effect in such a case?
• How does the European interconnected grid actually work?
• What exactly are the processes at the energy service provider when the emergency occurs?

Filmmaker Christoph Skofic and his team, together with illwerke vkw, have created an impressive film – a documentary that tries to clear up myths and, above all, shows the important role Vorarlberg plays in rebuilding the European grid.

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• Director: Christoph Skofic
• Screenplay: Mathias Kissenberth, Christoph Skofic
• Animation: Florian Hofmann
• Narrator: Michaela Vogel
• Camera: Christoph Skofic, Marvin Beck
• Editing: Christoph Skofic, Valentina Marterer, Marvin Beck