Conversion of earth cables to overhead lines: Expert commission recommends cost reduction in direct current projects

Conversion of earth cables to overhead lines: Expert commission recommends cost reduction in direct current projects

The press release from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection announces that an independent expert commission has submitted an energy transition monitoring report. Transnetbw CEO Dr. Werner Götz shares the expert commission's view that the changeover of earth cables to overhead lines should be checked for direct current projects. State Secretary Dr. Philipp Nimmermann expresses his confidence that the expansion of renewable energies has gained speed, while the reliability of the power supply is guaranteed. However, acceptance of the energy transition could be damaged if the costs for network expansion increase excessively. The expert commission emphasizes the need to check cost options such as the changeover to overhead lines. TransnetBW is committed to the abolition of the ground cable priority for new direct current compounds and calculates with savings of 20 to 23 billion euros compared to the ground cabling. The construction of overhead lines is easier, faster and causes lower interventions in soil protection. A conversion of earth cabling to overhead line would still be possible because the projects are still at an early stage.

To better understand the TransnetBW plan, a table with relevant information can help:

The cost savings by using overhead lines would therefore be about 50%. In addition, the construction of overhead lines would be easier and faster, which would lead to a time saving of about a year. Expiratory lines are also cheaper in operation compared to earth cables.

It is emphasized that it is not yet too late to switch from earth cabling to overhead lines, since the projects are still at an early stage. The possibility of saving a double -digit billion amount without having to make any cuts is presented as an opportunity.

The press release also contains links to the press release of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection as well as the energy transition monitoring report of the expert commission to obtain further information.

This development is of particular importance for the Stuttgart region, since TransnetBW has its headquarters there. The network expansion as part of the energy transition has a direct impact on the power supply and the costs for consumers in the region. The planned changeover of earth cables to overhead lines for direct current compounds could mean financial savings that could also affect electricity prices. It remains to be seen how politics will react to the recommendations of the expert commission and whether there is a change in cable priority. Historically, there were always debates about the advantages and disadvantages of earth cables and overhead lines, and these discussions are now being held again. The decision could have long -term effects on network expansion in the region.

Source: Transnetbw GmbH/OTS