The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur or BNetzA) has finalized the planning approval for the second segment of the SuedOstLink project. This marks the official designation of the route for the underground high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line between Münchenreuth and Marktredwitz in Bavaria. The project will enable the supply of wind energy from northern and eastern Germany to Bavaria, supporting the region's energy needs.

Even before the formal approval was granted, the grid operator, TenneT TSO GmbH, had already begun initial construction works. This was possible because the BNetzA had approved several requests for early construction in this section, starting from autumn last year. TenneT has now received full approval for the project.

Route Details: Münchenreuth to Marktredwitz

The newly approved 55-kilometer transmission line starts near the border of Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria, north of Hof. From there, it runs south, skirting Hof to the east along the A93 motorway, passing between Rehau and Schwarzenbach an der Saale. After crossing the Martinlamitz forest, the route aligns near Kirchenlamitz with the existing Ostbayernring power line, heading southeast. It passes north of Marktleuthen before reaching its endpoint in Marktredwitz.

The BNetzA plans to publish the formal approval document on October 7, 2024, on its websites: www.netzausbau.de/vorhaben5-c1 and www.netzausbau.de/vorhaben5a-c1.

SuedOstLink: A key axis in Germany's energy transition

The SuedOstLink is a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line designed to carry renewable energy from northeastern Germany to Bavaria. The entire line will be built as an underground cable.

The project consists of two HVDC links, each with a capacity of 2 GW and operating at 525 kilovolts. These are listed as projects 5 and 5a under Germany's Federal Requirements Plan Act. Project 5 spans 538 kilometers from Wolmirstedt, north of Magdeburg, to Isar near Landshut. Project 5a begins in Klein Rogahn, near Schwerin, and joins Project 5 in the Börde district, west of Magdeburg. From there, both links run parallel as the SuedOstLink to Isar.

As both are HVDC connections, the projects must be completed in their entirety before they can be activated. The planned operational date for Project 5 is 2027, and for Project 5a, it is 2030. The grid operators responsible for the planning, construction, and operation of the SuedOstLink are TenneT and 50Hertz.