Free perspective and better bird protection: dismantling of the 30 kV line at the Möhnesee!

Free perspective and better bird protection: dismantling of the 30 kV line at the Möhnesee!

Möhnesee, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland - The dismantling of a 70-year-old 30-kilovolt free line at the Möhnesee has now been completed. This popular destination in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) not only enjoys improved views by the measure, but also offers an important contribution to bird protection. The dismantling of the overhead line was carried out by Westnetz GmbH with the support of Lister- und Lennekraftwerke GmbH (LLK) at the end of February 2025 and only lasted two days.

The overhead line, which has been in operation since the 1950s and was put into operation at the same time as the new main power plant of the Möhnetalsperre, was a risk to the bird world. Birds can violate such lines or be killed by electric shocks, which underlines the need for dismantling. Westnetz GmbH realized the dismantling with the help of a mobile crane and benefits from previously relocated redundant power cable strands that were already installed in 2024 south of the compensation pond.

advantages for nature and visitors

The measure not only improves the view of the compensation pond, but also contributes to the regulation of irregular water outflows from power plants or traffic jams. Ultimately, the reduction of the overhead line has positive effects on the nature experience of visitors. Due to the new cables and the reduction of power lines, the terrain becomes safer for bird population.

The importance of bird protection is evident due to the frequent dangers of collisions with power lines. These are a common anthropogenic danger to birds. In order to further increase the security of the bird world, bird protection markers could also be installed on future overhead lines. These color-rated components help to significantly reduce the risk of approaching and killing for birds, as the Federal Office for Nature Conservation (BFN) mentioned in its publications.

historical background

The original power plant at the Möhntalsperre was destroyed in 1943 in the terrible Möhne disaster, the reconstruction took place in the 1950s. Today the main power plant is 250 meters below the bulky wall and remains the central element of the infrastructure on the Möhnesee.

The successful reduction of the overhead line and the installation of new cables illustrate the commitment to modern and environmentally friendly energy supply, which at the same time preserves the scenic beauty of this region and takes the protection of animal roommates seriously.