Germany begins construction of key SuedLink power line at two locations

Germany has begun construction of the SuedLink transmission line, one of its most important energy transition projects. Construction of key sections of the direct-current power line, which will connect the country’s wind-rich north with industrial centres in the south, started last week in the coastal state of Schleswig-Holstein and last month in the south, in Baden-Württemberg.

Transmission system operator TenneT began construction last week on the section of the line that crosses the Elbe in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Between Wewelsfleth in Schleswig-Holstein and Wischhafen in Lower Saxony, SuedLink will cross the Elbe through a tunnel about five kilometres long. The so-called segmental construction method will be used, with a specially built tunnel-boring machine burrowing beneath the Elbe like a mole.

During tunnel excavation, six 525kV power cables will be pulled through and connected to SuedLink’s underground cables on both sides of the Elbe. Rails in the tunnel will allow tunnel vehicles to pass through, ensuring that it remains accessible for maintenance and repairs after construction is complete.