AFRY Spearheads Germany’s Clean Energy Transition with SuedOstLink Cable Planning

AFRY Spearheads Germany’s Clean Energy Transition with SuedOstLink Cable Planning

(IN BRIEF) AFRY has been appointed as the technical advisor by 50Hertz, the transmission system operator, for the critical SuedOstLink project, a key grid expansion endeavor to accelerate Germany’s energy transition. The project involves planning a 540-kilometer underground cable, set to transport electricity from wind-rich northern regions to the southern part of the country. Scheduled for completion in 2027, AFRY’s role encompasses comprehensive cable planning, project management, and coordination of various inspection processes, reinforcing the project’s status as a vital component of Europe’s renewable energy advancement.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, 14-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — First introduced in the Federal Requirements Plan in 2013, the SuedOstLink’s planning for the HVDC (extra-high voltage direct current) connection has been in process since 2016. It is primarily designed as an underground cable stretching around 540 kilometres from Wolmirstedt in Saxony-Anhalt to Landshut in Bavaria. Upon completion, the SuedOstLink will secure reliable transportation of electricity from the northern region of Germany, which is characterised by a growing number of wind power plants, to the southern part of the country.

The approval process is currently underway and the SuedOstLink is scheduled to go into operation in 2027.

The transmission system operator, 50Hertz, is the project developer for the northern section of the project and has chosen AFRY as trusted technical partner in this critical endeavour.

AFRY is responsible for cable planning project management in two of the three SuedOstLink sections under 50Hertz’s purview. AFRY’s role encompasses a broad spectrum, including civil engineering implementation planning with regard to all cable issues, site-specific cable planning including logistics, installation and construction scheduling, as well as final section length planning.

A critical aspect of the project’s management involves securing crossing agreements, a necessity when the SuedOstLink route intersects with other infrastructure. In addition, AFRY is in charge of supervising various inspection processes, assessing electromagnetic interference, and coordinating the entire interface with the approvals, stations and properties trades.

AFRY had previously supported 50Hertz during the tendering phase with the technical evaluation of the bids and approval planning for all route sections.

“We are proud to support this project and contribute to the clean energy transition in the region. The SuedOstLink is classified by the EU as a Project of Common Interest, as it is set to increase the security of the energy supply while supporting the advancement of renewables across Europe. We are delighted that 50Hertz has chosen us as its planning partner”, says Niels Hornig, Head of Transmission & Distribution in AFRY, Germany.

“The SuedOstLink is a demanding and highly complex project. Cable planning involves a particularly large number of interfaces with other specialist trades. AFRY supports us here as our trusted partner,” adds Thorben Müller, Project Manager Civil Engineering and Lines at 50Hertz, recognising AFRY’s key role and capability to deal with complex endeavours.

Learn more about AFRY’s capabilities in the clean energy transition

As a global trusted partner for sustainable solutions and the energy transition, AFRY covers all aspects of energy generation, distribution, and energy market analysis, from investment preparation to plant operation and decommissioning. With more than 2,000 energy specialists worldwide, AFRY supports companies in over 80 locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

AFRY provides engineering, design, digital and advisory services to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society. We are 19,000 devoted experts in industry, energy and infrastructure sectors, creating impact for generations to come. AFRY has Nordic roots with a global reach, net sales of 27 BSEK and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

Making Future

Media Contacts:

Niels Hornig
Head of T&D, Germany
niels.hornig@afry.com

Virginia Ferrari
Communications Manager, Energy
virginia.ferrari@afry.com

SOURCE: AFRY AB