The Suedlink power line, which is to transport electricity from northern Germany to the south over a distance of 700 kilometres, has been delayed for years. Now the construction of a first section has been approved. The grid operator Transnet BW can thus begin construction of the direct current route. The Federal Network Agency has completed the necessary planning approval procedure, as announced by both sides. (Tagesschau, 25.05.2023)
According to the company, the approved section of the Suedlink power line stretches over 17 kilometres from Bad Friedrichshall to Leingarten near Heilbronn. Further approvals for other sections are expected to follow. The entire route will eventually have a length of around 700 kilometres and run from Brunsbüttel in Schleswig-Holstein to Leingarten-Großgartach near Heilbronn.
Suedlink power line: Delays in completion and increased use of underground cables to avoid conflicts
The original plan was for the Suedlink power line to be completed last year. Completion was then initially postponed to 2026, and now there are even discussions about 2028. The Suedlink route is intended to transport wind power from the north of Germany to the south. The major project is part of a series of planned electricity highways that are to form the backbone of the energy transition in Germany. Transnet BW plans to start construction of the route this year. Originally, Suedlink was planned as an overhead line, but due to opposition from the population and politicians, the use of underground cables is now preferred.
On the approved section, it is planned to lay the cables at a depth of about 200 metres through a mine. By laying the cables undergroun