Amprion, one of Germany’s four transmission system operators, has applied for planning permission to build the 2GW A-Nord link, which would mainly transport offshore wind energy to the west and south of Germany.
The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) will now check the application comprising 50 files for completeness, before opening a public consultation in June on the proposal.
A-Nord is a proposed underground cable between Emden and Meerbusch-Osterath.
Amprion is aiming to complete the federal planning process by the end of the year.
A-Nord project manager Klaus Wewering said: “We have been working towards this day for almost 18 months.
“We are sure that we have presented a good plan. Now we are looking forward to the feedback that comes from the public.”