Contribution to the energy transition: SPIE is implementing more sections of the 380 kV high-voltage line from Wahle to Mecklar on behalf of TenneT

Göttingen, 25 August 2022 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is making yet another contribution to the success of the energy transition in Germany. On behalf of the transmission network operator TenneT, the multi-technical service provider is implementing almost 14 additional kilometres of high-voltage overhead power line that will connect the grid nodes of Wahle in Lower Saxony and Mecklar in North Hesse. The connection will increase the transmission capacity for wind energy on the north-south axis and ensure supply security and grid stability for the regions situated along the route.

Proactive support for the energy transition

SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa fully carries out the newly awarded lots in the Göttingen area. This includes the planning and installation of 37 380 kV pylons for the high-voltage overhead power line and of 21 110 kV pylons to supply power for electrified railway lines. The pylon construction involves a total of around 4,000 tonnes of material. SPIE is also in charge of the cabling work, the linesmen from the High Voltage operational division to run the electrical connections from pylon to pylon. Finally, an existing line that is no longer capable of meeting future requirements is to be dismantled. The work on the new lots began in March of this year and is expected to be completed in summer 2024. The project is enshrined in law by the Power Grid Expansion Act (EnLAG). EnLAG lines are especially crucial to the success of the energy transition and are now the preferred solution.

Always the right solution

Conditions shaped by nature, the authorities and infrastructure such as the challenging substrate, conservation provisions and frequent crossing of the A7 motorway demand increased sensitivity and present special challenges in the implementation of the project. “So, in addition to occupational safety, protecting the environment and managing the client and authorities are of course very important to us. Comprehensive road construction and the use of numerous temporary solutions are also necessary so that we can ensure a power supply that is free of interruptions. Our highly experienced teams always come up with the right solutions,” says Oliver Gurgel, the SPIE project manager responsible.

Pooling expertise

Up to 120 employees from SPIE and its partners are working together to meet the ambitious schedule. “We have deployed highly experienced expert teams that can rely on each other completely. This is a vital prerequisite, especially when working at height,” said Oliver Gurgel. In addition to the High Voltage operational division, the organisations involved in the work include the CityNetworks & Grids and Central Europe operational divisions of SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa, with everyone pooling their expertise to ensure that this highly complex project is delivered with high-quality results.

Years of trusting cooperation

The newly awarded lots mean that SPIE is now responsible for around one third of the entire line from Wahle to Mecklar. “We are delighted that our long-standing customer TenneT has engaged us to implement two further lots for this important high-voltage overhead power line and that we can actively contribute to the success of the energy transition and to climate protection. The renewed trust placed in us is a prime example of the partnership-based cooperation of the past years,” said Ralf Schlosser, head of the Line Construction business unit in the High Voltage operational division at SPIE.