Modernizing Berlin's Energy Infrastructure: 50Hertz's Three Underground Power Highways
Underground power infrastructure expansion: 50Hertz constructing three power highways beneath Berlin - Three underground electricity networks constructed by 50 Hertz in Berlin
Ride the green wave, Berlin! Transmission grid operator 50Hertz is looking to revolutionize the city's energy landscape with the construction of three new underground high-voltage power lines. Scheduled to kick off in the ’30s, these power highways will significantly boost the city’s capacity to transport electricity from renewable energy sources, assured CEO Stefan Kapferer.
What's the Plan?
The urban makeover starts with the Berlin Cable Diagonal—a northwest-to-Marzahn east cable expansion that aims to beef up the existing route and pump up the capacity by a cool 40%. Taking a six-kilometer ride from the Reuter and Teufelsbruch substations, these cables will journey to impressive depths of up to 40 meters, with a cozy four-meter tunnel to keep them company.
Another exciting project on the agenda is the Berlin South Cable Vertical, a not-so-little 14-kilometer tunnel that begins near the Berlin city border in Großbeeren.
Last but certainly not least, we have the Berlin North Cable Vertical, a roughly 20-kilometer long power line, with 17 kilometers carved underground. It originates at UW Reuter, stomps through the Tegel area, and stomps back to its final destination, UW Malchow.
The Green Energy Boost
Reliable supply of green energy is key to Berlin’s economic success, says Kapferer. With these three new power highways, the city is not just reinforcing its infrastructure - it's stepping into the green future.
Navigating Challenges Together
While the construction takes place mainly below the city's bustling surface, the urban essence of the high-density area poses unique challenges, emphasizes Kapferer. A broad dialogue with local interest groups is vital to ensure a successful energy transition for the city.
The Ray of Hope on the Green Horizon
The staggered commissioning of the new lines begins in 2036 and is set to wrap up by the end of the 30s. Though the numbers crunchers haven't revealed the hefty price tag for this eco-friendly facelift just yet, it's clear that green dreams and urban revitalization are just around the corner for Berlin.
- Berlin
- Grid Expansion
- Power Highway
- High-Voltage Line
- Electricity
- Stefan Kapferer
- CEO
- Economic Location
- Berlin Cable Diagonal
- Berlin South Cable Vertical
- Berlin North Cable Vertical
Insights:
- The deep cables minimizes the environmental impact as they are laid underground [1].
- The increased capacity will support a higher influx of renewable energy sources, contributing to Germany's goals for a greener energy mix [1].
- By laying cables underground, the project aims to reduce potential surface-level disruptions, in line with sustainable urban planning principles [1]. External References: [1] https://www.50hertz.de/en/press/press-releases/press-releases-2022/berlin-extension-of-the-cable-diagonal-berlin-strengthening-the-infrastructure-of-the-transmission-grid-without-significantly-impacting-the-urban-space/ [5] https://www.utilitydive.com/news/the-german-energy-grid-is-overheating-as-wind-and-solar-capacity-climbs-analysts/574504/
- As part of the community policy for modernizing Berlin's energy infrastructure, these proposed underground power highways could potentially offer vocational training opportunities for local residents, such as in the areas of technology and engineering.
- In the sphere of finance and industry, these innovations in energy technology, like the construction of the three underground power highways, could stimulate vocational training initiatives and encourage investment in Berlin, thereby fostering a stronger, more sustainable economy.
