The realisation phase of the SuedOstLink direct current project begins in the Bavarian district of Hof with the installation of the first cables by grid operator TenneT. From 2027, the electricity motorway will transport wind energy from north-east Germany to the south and solar power from Bavaria to the north.
Following the Federal Network Agency's planning approval decision on 27 September for the Bavarian section C1 from Münchenreuth in the district of Hof to Marktredwitz in the district of Wunsiedel, TenneT immediately began preparations for the construction section.
„The first cable pull for SuedOstLink marks a decisive step towards a sustainable electricity grid that will make our supply more secure, more cost-effective and more climate-friendly“, says TenneT CEO Tim Meyerjürgens. „The project is being built and is becoming reality – this is the energy transition in action. And we must continue at this pace and with this level of commitment in order to successfully implement the energy transition in Germany.“
Precise construction schedule
The construction of the SuedOstLink, in which the cable manufacturer Prysmian is also involved, follows a demanding and well thought-out schedule. First, cable trenches are excavated to a depth of around 1.90 metres and fitted with protective pipes, which will later accommodate the direct current cables.
Once the pipes have been laid, the trenches are sealed again. Construction is particularly challenging in places where the SuedOstLink crosses roads, railway tracks or rivers. Special methods such as flushing pipe, jacking or microtunnelling are used here. These techniques only require a starting pit and a target pit as well as space for the construction site equipment.
Cable pulling and commissioning
The cable drums are delivered to the construction site by heavy goods transport from the Bavarian port of Regensburg or the port of Kelheim. The cables are then pulled in, whereby so-called sleeve pits are excavated. In these pits, the cables are pulled into the protective conduits with the help of a cable winch and connected to each other. One cable drum is sufficient for pulling in up to 1.7 kilometres of cable. Once the pulling-in process is complete, the sleeve pit is dismantled again and the cables are laid completely underground.
The entire process is designed to be completed on schedule: The SuedOstLink is scheduled to go into operation from 2027.
Further information on SuedOstLink: https://www.tennet.eu/de/projekte/suedostlink
