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Power grids of the future: overhead lines instead of underground cables – what that means!
Sachsenheim: Latest developments in the expansion of high-voltage direct current networks, overhead lines and their effects on energy supply.
Power grids of the future: overhead lines instead of underground cables – what that means!
The German energy transition is taking on new forms, particularly with regard to the expansion of the electricity grid. According to the specifications in the coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD, the aim is to implement high-voltage direct current transmission networks (HVDC) as overhead lines “where possible”. This decision is intended to help make network expansion more efficient and to give special consideration to polluted regions in planning, reports Bietigheim newspaper.
Monitoring is intended to clarify the most pressing questions about electricity demand, security of supply and network expansion by the 2025 summer break. The findings from this will be crucial for future HVDC projects and their construction directions. Christoph Müller, Managing Director of Amprion, emphasizes the necessity of these projects, but at the same time warns against unnecessary construction projects. In addition, the direct current projects OstWestLink, NordWestLink and SuedWestLink did not find their way into the federal requirements plan before the last federal election, which significantly delayed plans to build power lines.
The advantages of HVDC technology
HVDC technology offers numerous advantages for electricity transport. Not only does it enable improved use of existing power lines through higher power density, but it also reduces the need for new AC lines. With HVDC, large amounts of wind power can be efficiently transmitted from the coast to the inland. In times of high solar radiation, however, photovoltaic electricity can be transported from the south to the north, such as TransnetBW explained.
Another key advantage of high-voltage direct current is the reduction of energy losses over long distances. This is particularly relevant as increasing amounts of energy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, need to be more integrated into our grid. HVDC enables better control and regulation of energy flows and therefore plays a crucial role in the energy transition.
Financial aspects of network expansion
From an economic point of view, switching to overhead lines instead of underground cables brings significant savings. The cost difference is around 10 to 20 million euros per kilometer. Overhead lines are not only quicker and cheaper to build, but - depending on the topography - construction costs can be four to eight times cheaper than underground cables. This is particularly important in times of rising network fees. Households could benefit from savings: around 30 euros annually with a consumption of 3,000 kWh and 50 euros with 5,000 kWh.
Concerns about new power lines are becoming increasingly loud. Citizens' initiatives are defending themselves against projects, while preference areas for underground cable priority have been identified. However, a switch from underground cables to overhead lines could lead to additional delays that would affect the overall network expansion.
The coming months will be crucial in clarifying the contradiction between the need for rapid network expansion and the rights of citizens' initiatives. Only with a clear strategy can access to sustainable energy be guaranteed for everyone.