50Hertz replaces overhead lines for 40% increased capacity
50Hertz has been given permission to finalise an overhead power line between the German states of Saxony and Thuringia. Once commissioned, the new overhead line will transport 40% more electricity than the current, as its transmission capacity will be increased from 2,500 to 3,600 amperes per circuit.
The German TSO was granted planning approval by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA). The upgrade will cover the eastern section of the 380kV line between the substations of Röhrsdorf (near Chemnitz) and Weida (in the Thuringian district of Greiz).
50Hertz has already started preparing for the construction of the western section between Weida and the Remptendorf substation in the Saale-Orla district.
Stefan Kapferer commented during a meeting in Bonn, Germany: “Today is another important day for the energy transition…During the approval procedure, we gained important experience that will help us to speed up other projects. The energy transition needs to proceed at a faster pace, both in terms of the renewable energy sources that need to be connected to the system and the expansion of the grid itself.
“Each kilowatt-hour of electricity from renewable sources that we generate in Germany and transport to households and companies is another kilowatt-hour that can contribute to climate protection and our energy sovereignty“.
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Construction work along the western section of the line between Weida and the Remptendorf substation has already started.
Work on the section that was given the go-ahead is due to start later this year.
The construction work for the entire project is likely to take three years to complete, with commissioning expected in 2025.
As soon as electricity begins to flow through the new line, the old line will be dismantled. The replacement line will mostly follow the same route as the current overhead line.
However, the new line’s path will deviate slightly from the current route to avoid residential and nature conservation areas.
The route followed by the new line and its 275 pylons (110 along the western section, 165 along the eastern section) was defined in collaboration with regional authorities and residents.
