Germany's most important cable at present: The "Suedlink" power line is one of the most important projects of the German energy transition – Creative image: Xpert.Digital
Suedlink: Key project for the energy transition in Germany
Suedlink is one of Germany's key infrastructure projects and plays a crucial role in implementing the energy transition. As a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line, Suedlink will efficiently transport wind energy from the wind-rich north to the energy-hungry south of the country. Developed and planned by the transmission system operators TenneT TSO and TransnetBW, the project is an integral part of the electricity grid development plan.
Background and necessity
Germany's energy transition aims to significantly increase the share of renewable energies in the electricity mix while simultaneously phasing out nuclear power and coal-fired power generation. While wind energy is produced on a large scale on land and at sea in northern Germany, the south of the country relies on this energy to meet its needs, especially after the shutdown of the last nuclear power plants and the planned coal phase-out by 2038 at the latest.
Without high-performance power lines like Suedlink, there is a risk of grid bottlenecks and instability. The even distribution of generated energy is crucial not only for security of supply but also for stable electricity prices.
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Technical details and route
Length and capacity
Suedlink will have a total length of approximately 700 kilometers and offer a transmission capacity of 4 gigawatts. This output is equivalent to that of four large nuclear power plant units and could theoretically supply up to ten million households with renewable energy.
Route
The route runs through six German states: Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Hesse, Thuringia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg. It consists of two main connections:
First connection
It starts in Brunsbüttel (Schleswig-Holstein) and ends in Leingarten (Baden-Württemberg).
Second connection
It starts in Wilster (Schleswig-Holstein) and leads to Bergrheinfeld (Bavaria).
Interestingly, both lines merge under the Elbe River and only branch out again in southern Germany to reach their respective endpoints.
technology
Suedlink uses high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, a technology particularly well-suited for transporting large amounts of energy over long distances. Compared to alternating current (AC) lines, HVDC transmission offers the advantage of lower energy losses and allows for better control of the energy flow. Converter stations at the endpoints of the route convert the direct current into alternating current for feeding it into the regional distribution grid.
Progress and challenges in construction
Current status
Construction of the Suedlink power line has been repeatedly delayed. Originally, commissioning was planned for 2022. Current plans now anticipate completion by the end of 2028. Despite the delays, construction work is already underway in several sections. For example, initial cable laying has begun in Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg.
Technical and logistical challenges
Laying underground cables presents a significant technical challenge. The route must cross rivers, highways, and existing infrastructure, among other things. Special drilling techniques are used at such crossings to lay the cables at depths of up to 200 meters, as was the case when crossing the Elbe River near Glückstadt or in the salt mine near Heilbronn.
Furthermore, the construction work must be carried out in such a way as to minimize disruption to farmers and residents. This includes the temporary use of agricultural land and the reinforcement of roads to support the heavy construction vehicles.
Approval procedures and public participation
Another factor contributing to the delays is the extensive planning and approval process. Because the route crosses numerous private properties, extensive coordination and compensatory measures are necessary. Citizen initiatives and environmental organizations have raised concerns about the impact on the environment and the local economy. To address these concerns, comprehensive environmental impact assessments were conducted and alternative routes were examined.
Economic and ecological aspects
Costs and financing
The total cost of Suedlink is estimated at around ten billion euros. This investment is financed through grid fees, which are ultimately borne by electricity consumers. In the long term, however, the project is expected to contribute to stabilizing or even lowering electricity prices by reducing grid congestion and minimizing the need for expensive balancing measures.
Contribution to the energy transition
Suedlink offers significant ecological advantages. By transporting wind energy from the north, the share of renewable energies in southern Germany can be considerably increased. This supports national climate targets and contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the use of underground cables reduces the visual impact on the landscape and minimizes potential encroachments on wildlife habitats.
Critical voices and support
Concerns and protests
Despite the general recognition of the necessity of Suedlink, there is public resistance. Citizen initiatives fear negative impacts on agriculture, soil, and groundwater. Some farmers are worried about crop failures and long-term damage to their fields. There are also concerns regarding electromagnetic fields and their potential health effects.
Political support and compromises
Politicians have attempted to address these concerns. Following heated debates, it was decided to lay the majority of the power lines underground, even though this is more expensive and complex than overhead lines. This compromise was intended to increase public acceptance and expedite construction.
Federal and state governments emphasize the importance of Suedlink for security of supply and the successful implementation of the energy transition. Without the transmission line, power outages and increased dependence on fossil fuels could result.
Future impact and significance
Integration into the European electricity grid
Suedlink is not only important for Germany, but also for the European electricity grid. The improved north-south connection will allow Germany to strengthen its role as an energy hub in Europe. This will enable more efficient energy exchange with neighboring countries and support the integration of renewable energies at the European level.
Technological progress
The project sets standards in the application of modern transmission technologies. The experience gained from the construction and operation of Suedlink can influence future infrastructure projects and contribute to the further development of HVDC technologies.
Contribution to climate neutrality
To achieve climate goals and reach climate neutrality by 2045, the expansion of renewable energies and the associated infrastructure is essential. Suedlink is a key element in ensuring the necessary electricity transmission and a sustainable energy supply.
Symbol of the change in German energy policy
Suedlink is more than just a major technical project; it is a symbol of the transformation in German energy policy. Despite the challenges and resistance, the project demonstrates how ambitious goals can be achieved through cooperation between politics, business, and society. The successful implementation of Suedlink will make a significant contribution to advancing the energy transition, ensuring security of supply, and achieving Germany's climate targets.
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SuedLink and SuedOstLink power highways
The SuedLink and SuedOstLink are significant infrastructure projects in Germany, developed as part of the energy transition to efficiently transport renewable energy from the windy northern regions to the energy-intensive southern regions.
North-South power line – Image: Federal Network Agency
SuedLink
Purpose and structure
SuedLink is a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line that runs for approximately 700 kilometers. Its primary purpose is to transport wind energy from northern to southern Germany, providing a total capacity of 4 gigawatts.
Course
The route begins in Brunsbüttel and Wilster in Schleswig-Holstein and ends in Großgartach in Baden-Württemberg and Bergrheinfeld in Bavaria. The route passes through several federal states, including Lower Saxony, Hesse, and Thuringia.
Construction and completion
Construction has been delayed several times, with completion planned for the end of 2028. The construction work includes laying over 2,400 kilometers of underground cable.
Costs and challenges
The costs are estimated at around ten billion euros. Laying underground cables minimizes the impact on the landscape, but is more expensive than installing overhead power lines.
SuedOstLink
Purpose and structure
The SuedOstLink is also a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line, approximately 540 kilometers long. It is intended to transport wind power from Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to Bavaria.
Course
The route begins in Wolmirstedt near Magdeburg and ends at the Isar site near Landshut in Bavaria. It runs through Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Bavaria.
Construction and completion
Construction is scheduled for completion by 2027. Most of the cables will be laid underground to minimize the environmental impact.
Meaning
The SuedOstLink is an important component of the energy transition in Germany and has been classified as a “project of common interest” by the EU.
Common aspects
Both projects are crucial for ensuring the electricity supply in southern Germany after the phase-out of nuclear power and coal. They contribute to the stability of the German electricity grid and help to avoid bottlenecks.
The projects are politically prioritized and are intended to promote the integration of renewable energies, which is crucial for achieving Germany's climate goals.
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