German TSOs launch four DC projects under new approval procedure

German transmission system operators (TSOs) 50Hertz, TenneT and TransnetBW are moving forward with four new power line projects, utilising a recently established preference area procedure approved by the Federal Network Agency to expedite completion time.

Pooling their capacities and experiences through the StromNetzDC cooperation, the TSOs are jointly implementing four projects to enhance the German transmission network.

The projects will be making use of a new preference area procedure, the first stage of a new approval process decided on by the German Bundestag last year.

Unlike before, federal specialist planning is no longer required – the transmission system operators no longer have to search for suitable space for a route.

Instead, the Federal Network Agency is developing a 5km to 10km-wide preference area. Within this, the TSOs then plan the precise route of the connections in the subsequent plan approval process.

Making use of this new option, the German TSOs are pooling their capacities and experiences from previous projects in the StromNetzDC cooperation and are jointly implementing the following four projects:

• NordOstLink (DC 31/32) is planned and implemented by TenneT and 50Hertz and is intended to run from Schleswig-Holstein to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
• OstWestLink (DC40) is being implemented by TenneT and 50Hertz and is intended to connect Lower Saxony and Saxony.
• NordWestLink (DC41) is planned and implemented by TenneT and TransnetBW and is intended to run from Lower Saxony to Baden-Württemberg.
• SuedWestLink (DC42) is planned and implemented by 50Hertz and TransnetBW and is intended to connect Schleswig-Holstein and Baden-Württemberg. With the option of running a branch to Bavaria (DC42plus), probably with the involvement of TenneT as a project partner.

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Stated Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of TenneT, in a release: “A key factor in the energy transition is electrification with a gradual decarbonisation of generation.

“For this, we particularly need powerful direct current connections, because they build a bridge between the renewable electricity produced in the windy regions of northern Germany and the energy-intensive industrial and consumption centres in the south and east of the country.

“We expressly welcome the legislature’s initiative to accelerate network expansion. The new approval process is an important step on the way to a climate neutrality network.”

While direct current connections were previously planned as pure point-to-point connections, the new direct current connections are to be networked with one another using innovative technology.

Explained Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz: “The planned line between the west and east will create intersections between the direct current lines for the first time. Meshing these intersections is a major innovation.

“This results in advantages when it comes to controlling load flows and at the same time increases the resilience of the transmission network.”

The three TSO operators will start the first exchange in the regions in November, parallel to the Federal Network Agency’s public preference area consultation.

In the new process, 50Hertz, TenneT and TransnetBW will rely on transparent dialogue with the public to include information for the planning of direct current projects at an early stage before applications are submitted.

“Speed is the benchmark that drives us. We can draw on the experience gained from the SuedLink or SuedOstLink projects, in which we already work together successfully, and are now strengthening this collaboration,” added Dr Werner Götz, CEO of TransnetBW.

“We know the local actors and use local experience in the application process and intensive citizen participation. And the development of common standards also brings advantages.”