Energy Infrastructure in Erfurt: Expansion of High-Voltage Lines and Environmental Compatibility

Energy Infrastructure in Erfurt: Expansion of High-Voltage Lines and Environmental Compatibility

Ensuring a reliable and climate-friendly energy supply is a central challenge for cities in Germany. In Erfurt, the expansion and modernization of the energy infrastructure are in focus. In February 2026, concrete steps were taken in the planning and implementation of the replacement of the 380-kV high-voltage line from Vieselbach to Eisenach to Mecklar (BBPlG project No. 12), a project requiring both technical innovation and ecological responsibility.

Technical Expansion and Increased Capacity

The central topic of the meetings was the planning for the replacement of the existing 380-kV line with high-temperature low-sag conductors (HTLS). This measure allows an increase in transmission capacity from 2,520 A to 4,000 A without additional land use.

The project is led by 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, which operates the 380-/220-kV transmission network in northern and eastern Germany. The planning approval was granted by the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur, BNetzA) on August 14, 2024, and a first planning amendment has been submitted to optimize the implementation technically and legally.

As part of this amendment, some tower replacements are being canceled, the tower height is being reduced (e.g., at tower 136), and directional tension towers will be used. These measures follow the NOVA principle (New with Old Value Added), which aims at sustainability and efficiency.

Environmental Compatibility and Nature Conservation

The expansion of power grids always raises questions of environmental compatibility. In Erfurt, therefore, a detailed review of compatibility with the Natura 2000 program was conducted. Particularly affected are Natura 2000 sites such as “Kielforst northwest of Hörschel” and “Nessetal – Southern Kindel.” To safeguard the conservation goals of these areas, mitigation measures under § 43m of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) have been implemented.

These include habitat and species-specific protection measures (VAR/FFH8 to VAR16), which help to largely exclude disturbances caused by construction work. In addition, landscape management plans (LBP) have been integrated into the planning approval documents to ensure compliance with regional planning objectives.

Legal Framework and Approval Process

The expansion of the energy infrastructure in Erfurt takes place within a comprehensive legal framework. The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is the lead authority under the Grid Expansion Acceleration Act (NABEG). The planning is also subject to the provisions of the Federal Planning Act (BBPlG), the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchV), the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), and the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG).

A central element of the process is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), conducted in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVPG). In this process, noise emission and noise pollution analyses have been carried out to ensure compliance with limit values.

Construction Implementation and Public Participation

The implementation of the conductor replacement and reinforcement measures is technically demanding. 18 towers of the existing 380-kV line are to be replaced or modified. These works will cause temporary disturbances due to assembly areas, protective scaffolding, and construction noise. After the works are completed, these facilities will be dismantled.

Special attention was paid to environmental protection. During reinforcement work, the paint coating of the towers is removed to prevent the release of lead, cadmium, and zinc into the environment. In addition, compensatory measures are planned, such as the reforestation of clearings and the restoration of biotopes.

Public participation played an important role. Explanatory reports were published, although some documents were redacted due to the inclusion of sensitive data. In addition, emission forecasts were updated to ensure compliance with limit values for electric and magnetic fields as well as for the TA Lärm (Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement).

Outlook and Significance for Erfurt

The expansion of the energy infrastructure in Erfurt is a central component of the climate-friendly transformation of the energy supply. By replacing the 380-kV line with HTLS conductors, the transmission capacity is significantly increased without requiring additional land. At the same time, comprehensive protection measures ensure compatibility with nature conservation.

In the coming months, the focus will be on implementing the planned measures. It is crucial to consider both technical and ecological aspects to ensure a sustainable and secure energy supply for Erfurt.