Start of construction for the Suedlink route: Mega project informs citizens in the Werra-Meißner district

Start of construction for the Suedlink route: Mega project informs citizens in the Werra-Meißner district

Preparations for the Suedlink route are gaining momentum. As the Werra Rundschau reports, TransnetBW is about to receive the planning approval decision for the Hessian section D1. The start of construction for this massive energy transition project is therefore within reach.

On Monday, June 30th, TransnetBW is inviting people to several information markets for the first time to inform the public about the progress of the project. These events will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

• Unterrieden, Gerard-Schmidt-Halle, Zur Sporthalle
• Röhrda, Wilhelm-Schellhase-Halle, Ringgaustraße 23
• Reichensachsen, Bürgerhaus „Reichensächser Hof“, Platz der Normandie 1

With a total length of around 700 kilometers, the Suedlink route will be one of the most important direct current underground cable connections in Germany. It connects wind-rich regions of northern Germany with the energy-hungry federal states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The costs realized should not be underestimated - a total of over 10 billion euros will be invested. Preparatory construction work has already begun in recent months, such as drilling north of federal highway 7 between Röhrda and Netra, which is up to one kilometer long and is being carried out in areas where the route cannot be laid using open trench construction.

Another step towards the energy transition

At the same time, TransnetBW received the planning approval decision from the Federal Network Agency for the southernmost section in Baden-Württemberg, which represents an important step for the project. According to the State government of Baden-Württemberg There is now building permission for a 17 kilometer long section that extends from Bad Friedrichshall to the SuedLink converter in Leingarten.

Underground construction of the route is scheduled to begin this year. The sinking of the shafts in Kochendorf and Leingarten will begin in mid-2024. The SuedLink cables will run at a depth of around 200 meters underground and will be routed through the mine workings of Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG. TransnetBW is working closely with the salt works to make the construction work efficient.

Energy balance in focus

A look at the development of renewable energies in Germany shows that the progress of the energy transition is making unstoppable progress. According to that Federal Environment Agency In 2024, 22.4% of gross final energy consumption would already be covered by renewable energies. This makes the goal of covering 41% of consumption from renewable sources by 2030 more tangible.

Electricity generation from renewable energy reached an impressive figure of 284.0 billion kWh, increasing by 3% compared to the previous year. Wind energy in particular stands out and, at 138.9 billion kWh, reports the largest contribution to electricity production.

In summary, it can be said that the developments surrounding the Suedlink route not only allow construction to progress, but also form a solid basis for the sustainable energy future in Germany. The upcoming information markets offer an excellent opportunity to find out more about the project and clarify questions.