Saxony-Anhalt's Energy Minister advocates for additional open energy paths
Germany to Accelerate Overhead Power Line Expansion for Renewable Energy Growth
In an effort to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, Germany is set to speed up the expansion of overhead power lines, a move supported by Energy Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, Armin Willingmann (SPD). This acceleration is aimed at increasing the transmission capacity necessary for integrating increasing amounts of renewable energy, particularly wind power from the north, and meeting demand from large industrial consumers in southern regions.
According to Willingmann, the expansion of power grids is crucial to prevent unnecessarily slowing down the growth of renewable energy. The increased construction of overhead lines would enable power lines to be built more quickly, making the overall process more cost-effective. In fact, transmission operator 50Hertz anticipates savings of around €20 billion by favouring overhead lines in new projects.
Overhead lines offer several advantages, including significant cost savings. Compared to underground cables, overhead lines typically cost about 50% less. Additionally, the faster project completion associated with overhead lines avoids potential lengthy delays that underground cables might cause if preferences change mid-project. Furthermore, overhead lines allow a bigger transmission capacity, facilitating the transfer of large amounts of renewable energy from northern to southern Germany, enhancing system stability and energy security.
However, local opposition to overhead lines persists due to concerns about visual impact, vulnerability to weather (storms, snow), and military risks. These concerns have led to ongoing debates about balancing technical, economic, and social factors in Germany’s grid expansion.
While Germany is accelerating overhead power line expansion, it is also investing in underground power lines, particularly in northern regions, to improve regional grid resilience and integrate renewables with less landscape impact. Major financing for these projects comes from entities like the European Investment Bank.
In an interview with the "Rheinische Post" on Friday, Willingmann emphasised the need for a robust expansion of overhead power lines to support Germany’s energy transition. His statement underscores the urgent need for economic efficiency and the expansion of transmission capacity to support the growth of renewable energy in Germany.
[1] "Germany to Accelerate Overhead Power Line Expansion for Renewable Energy Growth" (2022, May 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germany-accelerate-overhead-power-line-expansion-renewable-energy-2022-05-01
[2] "Germany's Grid Expansion: Overhead Power Lines vs. Underground Cables" (2021, August 20). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-grid-expansion-overhead-power-lines-vs-underground-cables/a-59039747
[3] "European Investment Bank to Fund Germany's Renewable Energy Projects" (2021, September 24). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/european-investment-bank-fund-germanys-renewable-energy-projects-2021-09-24
[1] The acceleration of overhead power line expansion in Germany is aimed at increasing the transmission capacity needed to integrate more renewable energy, particularly wind power, and meet the demand from large industrial consumers.
[2] In their efforts to support renewable energy growth, Germany is also investing in underground power lines, especially in northern regions, utilizing funding from entities like the European Investment Bank. The financing of these projects helps improve regional grid resilience and integrate renewables with less landscape impact.
