Expiratory lines instead of underground cables: 20 billion euros saving for Germany!
Expiratory lines instead of underground cables: 20 billion euros saving for Germany!
In the current debate about the power grid expansion in Germany, hot air is argued with the advantages and disadvantages of overhead lines compared to earth cables. The changeover of earth cables to overhead lines could bring remarkable cost savings that could be up to 20 billion euros, estimates Tennet CEO, Tim Meyerjürgens. These savings would be particularly relevant for the new construction projects Ostwestlink, Nordwestlink and Suedwestlink, which are already on the agenda. Therefore, the change of course is required by various transmission network operators in order to reduce the costs for consumers, which ultimately have to finance the network charges.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Network Agency confirms the cost advantages of overhead lines, but at the same time warns that changing the change could delay these plans. Meanwhile, the acceptance of earth cables has not brought the hoped-for upswing, which is why the CSU and SPD coalition agreement now sought to implement high-voltage equal current transmission networks where possible as overhead lines. According to the Federal Network Agency's calculations, an investment volume of around 320 billion euros will be needed by 2045 to expand the transmission networks accordingly.
cost advantages and challenges
The changeover to overhead lines could not only massively reduce the construction costs, but also reduce the network charges by one cent per kilowatt hour. This would result in savings of 30 to 50 euros annually for private households. In this context, the network operator Tennet points out that overhead lines can be realized faster and cheaper compared to earth cables; The differences amount to 10 to 20 million euros per kilometer. At the same time, overhead lines in Germany are widespread and proven, since 99% of the transmission network is pure alternating current.
Despite the advantages of the overhead lines, the operators have to face the opposite mood in some federal states. Federal states such as Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia are skeptical of the changeover, since acceptance on site could be at risk. Conversely, federal states such as Baden-Württemberg and Hessen support the use of overhead lines to advance the network expansion more quickly.acceptance and the energy future
Public acceptance is of central importance in this discussion. Citizens' initiatives have already formed against new electricity routes and the resistances are increasing. The Ukraine War and the associated topics about energy security have raised awareness of the need for a functioning power grid. Transmission system operators emphasize that a dialogue with the affected regions and citizens is important to create trust in technology and planning.
The capacities of the planned lines are enormous; Ostwestlink is intended to increase the stream from Lower Saxony to Saxony, Northwest Link from Schleswig-Holstein to Baden-Württemberg and Suedwestlink between Schleswig-Holstein and the south of Germany. For the Suedlink, which is already under construction, the necessary planning approval documents have already been submitted.
The race for optimal network expansion is in full swing. Crucial deadlines, such as monitoring the planning stand until the summer break in 2025, are pending. It remains to be seen whether the savings can compensate for the challenges, such as the acceptance of the population, and thus the energy transition in Germany will be advanced.
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| Ort | Waiblingen, Deutschland |
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