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TenneT, TransnetBW Plan Southern Link Power Line

Oct. 14, 2016
The link, which has been planned as an exclusively underground cable following a lengthy consultation process, is set to start operations by 2025.

Dutch and German energy companies TenneT and TransnetBW have released plans for the Southern Link, a high-capacity power line for transporting energy created by renewable sources from the north of Germany to the south.

The link, which has been planned as an exclusively underground cable following a lengthy consultation process, is set to start operations by 2025, a target both companies say is ambitious, but achievable.

Several routes for the link have been identified, with the chief criteria being the straightness of the cable and minimum disruption to the habitats on the route. The next step in the process is a period of public consultation.

With Germany’s north – particularly the windparks – producing wildly fluctuating levels of renewable energy, the Southern Link is a vital component in the grid’s ability to distribute that energy more efficiently.

The two companies are now planning more than 30 public events over the next two months to engage with the public on the matter directly.

“As Germany continues to expand its renewable energy network and examine ways of optimizing the energy grid, this step forward for the Southern Link is a pivotal one,” said Anna Bräutigam, Senior Manager of Solar and Energy Storage at Germany Trade and Invest, Germany’s economic development agency.

“This step forward confirms Germany’s position as pioneers of renewable energy and its supporting infrastructure, and demonstrates the commitment within the country to a full transition to a clean energy infrastructure.

“As the resources and capacities continue to grow, the creation and installation of efficient supporting infrastructure will continue to represent a wise, value-adding investment in the industry of environmentally-friendly energy technology.”

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