Czech Republic built 118 km of transmission lines over past 3 years, Germany just 403 km

Germany is still failing to accelerate the construction of transmission grid lines. Available statistics show that only 403 kilometres of new lines were commissioned in Germany over the past 3 years. Over the same period, 118 kilometres of extra-high-voltage lines were built in Czechia.

Despite increasing efforts and a greater need for interconnections within transmission systems, Germany is still failing to accelerate line construction. Insufficient interconnection within Germany has a significant impact on system management costs, which are passed on to end customers through their electricity bills.

Over the past 3 years, Germany's transmission grids expanded by an average of just 133 kilometres per year. Thousands of additional kilometres are planned, but the main problem is local residents' opposition to the construction of lines near their homes.

The record quarter for construction was the final quarter of last year, when a total of 112 kilometres of lines were built. However, quarters in which only a few kilometres of new lines were built are not unusual either.

Transmission system operators recently stated that meeting renewable energy targets requires at least 1,600 km of new lines and the expansion of 2,900 km of transmission lines.

Over the same period, 118 kilometres of overhead lines were built in the Czech Republic. Taking into account the total area of the Czech Republic and Germany, it can therefore be said, in a highly simplified comparison, that lines are being built one-third faster in the Czech Republic than in its western neighbour.

Since 2016, the most successful year in this respect was 2016, when 107 kilometres of new lines were commissioned. Just 11 kilometres were built the following year, while no kilometres of lines were built in 2018. The main reason is the lengthy permitting process; the subsequent construction of the lines takes only a fraction of the time. The entire process of building a line, including permitting, can take around 10 to 12 years.

However, further transmission grid development can be expected this year. According to a press release from ČEPS, 23 kilometres of new lines will be commissioned later this year. This concerns the connection of the V413 extra-high-voltage line (Řeporyje – Prosenice) to the Mírovka substation near Havlíčkův Brod.

“The V413/V416 investment project is also among the so-called European Projects of Common Interest. These are projects that the European Union has assessed as priorities and as essential to meeting its binding targets. The implementation of this project is also important for the reliability of operation of the entire interconnected European system.” Stanislav Votruba, member of the Board of Directors of ČEPS, a.s., responsible for managing the Transmission System Administration, Operation and Maintenance Division.