Energinet has been given the all-clear to replace overhead lines with underground cables in southwest Zealand, Denmark.
The Danish Agency for Green Area Conversion and Aquatic Environment has decided that the project between Slagelse and Skælskør does not require an environmental assessment. This clears the way for Energinet to commence preparatory work before construction begins.
Under the project, overhead lines will be replaced with cables along a 23km stretch between the high-voltage station Hejninge west of Slagelse, and the area southeast of Skælskør, close to Stigsnæs Power Station.
The overhead lines are almost 50 years old and will be worn out within a few years.
Energinet plans to lay new 132 kV cables in the ground between Hejninge and Skælskør.
Once the new cables have been put into operation, Energinet will be able to remove the overhead lines and masts.
“We are very pleased that we have now received the environmental decision and can get started with the work,” said project manager Allan Vestergaard Jensen from Energinet.
“The overhead lines must be replaced so that Energinet can maintain security of supply in the area. In addition, there is a need to strengthen capacity in southwest Zealand.
“In the future, we must be able to transport large amounts of renewable energy from the south to consumers in the remaining part of Zealand.”
Energinet is now contacting the landowners with a view to entering into an agreement on cable-laying on their land.
Work to lay the cables is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the overhead lines and electricity pylons due to be removed in 2027.