Germany's Federal Network Agency has completed the planning approval process for the second segment of the SuedOstLink grid connection, facilitating the transmission of wind power from the northern and eastern regions of the country to Bavaria. This decision marks a significant step in determining the route of the direct current line, which will be laid as an underground cable between Münchenreuth and Marktredwitz.
The grid operator TenneT had already initiated preliminary construction work ahead of the formal approval. Since last autumn, the Federal Network Agency had granted several requests for early construction activities related to this segment. With the comprehensive permit now secured, TenneT can advance its work on this essential infrastructure.
The approved power line spans approximately 55 kilometers, beginning at the intersection of Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria, north of Hof, and extending southward. Its path follows the A93 motorway eastward from Hof to Regnitzlosau and navigates between Rehau and Schwarzenbach an der Saale. After traversing the Martinlamitz Forest, the route aligns with the Ostbayernring power line near Kirchenlamitz, continuing north past Marktleuthen and culminating at Marktredwitz.
The SuedOstLink comprises two direct current connections, each designed to carry 2 GW at a voltage of 525 kV. Project 5 runs approximately 538 kilometers from Wolmirstedt, located north of Magdeburg, to Isar near Landshut. Project 5a originates in Klein Rogahn, near Schwerin, and intersects with Project 5 in the Börde district, west of Magdeburg. The two lines will operate in parallel as the SuedOstLink from that junction to Isar.
Importantly, the SuedOstLink projects must be operational as a complete system since they involve direct current connections. The commissioning timeline is set for 2027 for Project 5 and 2030 for Project 5a. The planning, construction, and operation of the SuedOstLink are managed by the transmission system operators TenneT and 50Hertz.
