Germany’s Federal Network Agency completed the planning approval procedure for the second section of the SuedOstLink grid connection, supplying Bavaria with wind power from the north and east of Germany.
This means the route of the direct current line (pictured) as an underground cable between Münchenreuth and Marktredwitz has been determined.
The grid operator, TenneT was able to start initial construction work even before this planning approval decision was issued and since autumn last year, the Federal Network Agency had approved several applications for an early start of construction in this line section.
TenneT has now received a comprehensive permit.
The approved power line, which is around 55km long, begins at the border of Thuringia, Saxony and Bavaria north of Hof and runs from there in a southerly direction.
It first follows the course of the A93 motorway east past Hof to Regnitzlosau and then runs between Rehau and Schwarzenbach an der Saale.
After crossing the Martinlamitz Forest, the route at Kirchenlamitz is oriented along the course of the Ostbayernring power line in a south-easterly direction at the level of Kirchenlamitz. It leads north past Marktleuthen and finally to Marktredwitz.
The SuedOstLink consists of two direct current connections, each with 2GW and a voltage of 525kv. These are projects 5 and 5a of the Federal Requirements Plan Act.
The former runs for around 538km from Wolmirstedt north of Magdeburg to Isar near Landshut.
The latter begins in Klein Rogahn near Schwerin and meets Project 5 in the Börde district west of Magdeburg.
From there, the two lines run parallel as the SuedOstLink to Isar.
The projects of the SuedOstLink can only be put into operation as a whole, as they are direct current connections.
Commissioning is planned for 2027 for project 5 and 2030 for project 5a.
The transmission system operators TenneT and 50Hertz are responsible for the planning, construction and operation of SuedOstLink.