Germany is poised to significantly increase the number of permits for building electricity transmission lines as part of its ambitious plan to shift to a climate-neutral energy system.

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) will issue a large-scale influx of building permits starting from 2024, according to agency head Klaus Müller. These permits are crucial for the construction of major "electricity highways" that will connect the abundant wind power in the north of the country to consumers in the south, including projects like Suedlink and SuedOstLink. Currently, progress is limited to specific pipeline sections, but Müller anticipates a substantial increase in permits next year.

Germany requires approximately 14,000 kilometers of high-voltage power lines to facilitate its energy transition, with 7,400 kilometers falling under BNetzA's responsibility. However, only 440 kilometers have received final permit approval thus far. The agency aims to double this figure to 900 kilometers by the end of the year, with a significant surge in permits expected from 2024 for major projects like Suedlink (planned for operation in 2028) and SuedOstLink (planned for 2027). The government is prioritizing grid extension to maintain the reliability of Germany's power supply, despite the increasing integration of fluctuating renewable energy sources. However, the expansion of the electricity grid has faced challenges due to public resistance, leading to legislation favoring underground cables, despite the higher installation and maintenance costs associated with this technology.

Source: cleanenergywire.org