DMT has been appointed to support two critical elements of the construction of SuedLink, the longest underground power cable in the world.
The €10bn 700 km long SuedLink, being developed by TenneT, will transport wind energy from northern Germany to Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg and better integrate sources of renewable energy into Germany’s electricity grid.
DMT has been appointed by Jacobs, the engineering services provider which is responsible for the overall management of the SuedLink project, to lead on the planning for the support shafts that will guide a new underground cable connection through an existing mine in the Heilbronn area.
DMT’s team of experts will deliver plans for two shafts used to feed 16 km of underground cables owned by Sudwestdeutsche Salzwerke at a depth of around 200 metres below the region of Heilbronn area to avoid the densely populated towns and rivers.
Simultaneously, Jacobs has contracted DMT to acquire the rights over land in Thuringia and Hesse, a significant milestone in connecting SuedLink to Germany’s electricity grid in 2027.
For this role, DMT is managing contracts for the construction and operation of SuedLink with various owners to negotiate appropriate compensation for the granting of rights and possible land damage, and ensure project operators have access to the areas at all times to examine land under construction, lay cables, and carry out maintenance.
SuedLink is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe and will supply power to around 10 million households in the north and south of the country.
The 525kV direct underground power line will connect wind-rich areas in northern Germany to major consumption areas further south – providing a reliable and eco-friendly power transmission.