An important step forward for the German energy transition: Germany's longest extra-high-voltage three-phase power line, Wahle-Mecklar, was officially commissioned on 27 November. With a total length of 230 km (210 km overhead line and 20 km underground cable), it connects Lower Saxony with Hesse and strengthens the national electricity grid. After several years of planning and construction, the project now enables the efficient transport of renewable energy from the north to the south of Germany.
„Today we are celebrating another major step for the energy transition and grid expansion in Germany“, said TenneT Managing Director Tim Meyerjürgens. „Grid expansion projects such as Wahle-Mecklar strengthen the entire German extra-high voltage grid and make a significant contribution to gradually making our country independent of fossil fuels. Line construction is also an important lever for reducing energy costs: the operation of Wahle-Mecklar will save around 350 million euros every year for congestion management. The investment costs for this centralised supply will have been amortised after just four years.“
Politicians are also emphasising the benefits of the new line. Kaweeh Mansoori, Hesse's Deputy Minister-President for Economic Affairs, explained that Wahle-Mecklar would improve grid stability and help to reduce grid fees. Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Christian Meyer added that the state would become a „powerhouse“ of the energy transition with projects like this one. In particular, the increasing use of underground cables will strengthen acceptance among the population.
Energy for the future: focus on climate neutrality
The line is a central component of the energy transition, as it reduces structural grid bottlenecks and enables the efficient distribution of renewable energies. Rapid expansion is particularly important in order to avoid high costs due to redispatch measures. Lower Saxony plays a key role here, as a large proportion of renewable energy is generated here and fed into the grid.
Wahle-Mecklar is another important step towards a climate-neutral and affordable electricity supply and climate protection in Germany.
