The energy transition demands not only a rapid expansion of variable renewable energy (VRE) resources, such as wind and solar, but also a reconceptualization of how these assets are integrated and operated within the grid. The Verbundkraftwerk—or combined power plant—offers a system-level response to the challenges of grid congestion, low utilization of transmission infrastructure, and the increasing need for dispatchable, renewable-based energy services.

A Verbundkraftwerk is a spatially and operationally integrated hybrid system that combines distributed VRE generators, a collector grid, and a coordinated suite of flexible downstream assets—including storage systems, electrolysers, and offtake infrastructure such as hydrogen pipelines. This integrated design enables the plant to internally manage renewable variability, absorb surplus generation, and selectively export electricity or secondary products (e.g., hydrogen, heat) in response to market signals, grid constraints, or contractual obligations.

The concept enhances the value and effectiveness of renewable projects by enabling higher utilization of grid connection capacity and mitigating curtailment through internal balancing. It allows continued VRE expansion without the need for one-to-one grid capacity increases, and opens new value streams through the co-production of green fuels and the provision of ancillary services. As conventional fossil-based generators are retired, the Verbundkraftwerk can contribute to grid stability by supplying essential services such as frequency response, voltage support, and black-start capabilities.

Beyond the technical configuration, the paper emphasizes the operational intelligence of the Verbundkraftwerk. Operating as a coordinated system, it can respond dynamically to electricity and hydrogen market prices, manage fixed offtake contracts, and deliver ancillary grid services. This responsiveness enhances revenue stacking opportunities and supports broader system stability as inverter-based generation increases.

The abstracted control logic of the Verbundkraftwerk accommodates multiple states of operation, including:

• direct-to-grid electricity export when prices are favourable;
• hydrogen production during surplus periods;
• storage charging or dispatch in response to peak demand or grid signals;
• grid services such as frequency response, voltage support, and black-start;
• and hybrid operations to satisfy fixed baseload or offtake obligations.

The concept is applicable across geographies with constrained grid capacity or ambitious decarbonization targets. By decoupling VRE project development from 1:1 grid capacity expansion, the Verbundkraftwerk provides a scalable pathway to accelerate renewable build-out while maintaining system flexibility, stability, and economic viability.