SPIE installs two sections of 380 kV extra-high voltage line between Metternich and Niederstedem for Amprion

Metternich, 31st May 2023 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is making another important contribution to the success of the energy transition in Germany. The teams are installing two sections of extra-highvoltage overhead power line (around 25 km in total) between Metternich, near Koblenz, and Niederstedem, near Bitburg, on behalf of transmission system operator Amprion. In the process, the existing line in use will also be upgraded from 220-kV to 380 kV voltage level.

This new extra-high voltage line will increase transmission capacity and ensure supply security and grid stability in the region. The work began in the first quarter of 2023 and is expected to be completed in the 3 rd quarter of 2025.

Complex services for the energy transition

SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa is currently carrying out the complete implementation of two 380 kV extra-high-voltage overhead power line sections between Metternich and Niederstedem for Amprion. For the SPIE teams in the High Voltage operational division, this includes the planning and the installation of 71 combined 110- and 380-kV pylons as well as the associated laying of the lines. In addition, the previous 110 and 220 kV lines will also have to be dismantled and, to a certain extent, renovated.

The new extra-high-voltage overhead power line will primarily follow the existing routing and replace the previous 220-kV connection in large parts. With the proportion of renewable energies increasing, this work is intended to make the electricity grid even more efficient and flexible. “The project is technically complex and challenging because, due to time constraints, we are carrying out the new installation, disassembly, and renovation work for the three lines simultaneously. This means it is necessary to set up extensive temporary circuit routing equipment to ensure that the supply is always secure,” explained Nicole Korycinski, project manager within the High Voltage operational division at the Montabaur site.

Customised solutions under challenging conditions

Local conditions represent challenging conditions for the installation of the power line as its route runs through the Moselle and Eifel valleys. This means long journeys from pylon to pylon, limited transport options and line spans of up to 1 kilometre over deep valleys. “In part, we are working in an ecologically sensitive environment, which renders it necessary to remove a dismantled pylon by helicopter,” explained Frank Sommer, project manager based at SPIE’s Montabaur location. In winter, heavy snowfall made the work difficult. “However, our expert teams working on both lots always develop customised solutions and work together as partners. They are very experienced and can rely on one another completely – this is a vital prerequisite, especially when working at height,” continued Frank Sommer. To meet the ambitious schedule, up to 90 SPIE employees and employees from partner companies are working together on the project at peak times.

A long-standing and trusting partnership

SPIE and Amprion have enjoyed many years of trusting collaboration. The multi-technical service provider has already implemented numerous orders on behalf of the transmission network operator in recent years. Since autumn 2021, SPIE has also been upgrading the voltage level of the Wengerohr transformer station in Wittich to 380 kV as part of the line upgrade between Metternich and Niederstedem. “We are delighted that our long-standing customer Amprion has engaged us to implement two lots for this important extra-high-voltage overhead power line and that we are therefore able to actively contribute to the success of the energy transition. Entrusting us with such a complex and demanding project reaffirms the customer’s trust in our technical expertise,” said Ralf Schlosser, head of the Leitungsbau1 business unit in the High Voltage operational division at SPIE.