| Client: | 50Hertz Transmission GmbH |
| Cooperation: | BHF Landschaftsarchitekten |
| Activity: | Corridor constraint analysis and substation site selection; waiver of spatial planning procedures; preparation of the planning approval application pursuant to Section 43 of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) |
| Period: | 2020-2025 |
| Dimension: | 57 km of transmission routes |
| Location: | Landkreis Rostock |
The energy transition requires a substantial expansion of electricity grids to ensure the secure transmission of increasing volumes of renewable energy. With the reinforcement of the grid between the Bentwisch substation near Rostock, Güstrow and the newly planned Gnewitz switching station, transmission system operator 50Hertz is creating the basis for a future-proof power supply in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. As a contractor, FJP is supporting the implementation of this complex infrastructure project in cooperation with BHF Landschaftsarchitekten.
The project includes the replacement of the existing 220 kV overhead line between Bentwisch and Lüdershagen with a high-capacity 380 kV overhead line in the Bentwisch–Gnewitz section, as well as the parallel construction of a new 380 kV overhead line between Bentwisch and Güstrow. Once the new infrastructure is operational, the existing 220 kV line in the Schwaan area will be dismantled. These measures will significantly increase transmission capacity for electricity generated by photovoltaic systems, onshore wind farms and offshore wind parks.
Route planning follows the principle of corridor bundling in order to minimise impacts on nature and the landscape. A comprehensive site selection process was carried out for the new substation, identifying the Gnewitz area as technically suitable and environmentally feasible. Nature conservation is a key consideration throughout the planning process, including the protection of designated areas such as Natura 2000 sites. Further species-specific surveys, for example focusing on bird populations, are planned to avoid or mitigate potential impacts.
The project is designated as “Project 52” under the Federal Requirements Plan Act (Bundesbedarfsplangesetz). Following the waiver of spatial planning procedures in 2022, preparations for the planning approval process pursuant to Section 43 of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) commenced. For the first time, the provisions of the EU Emergency Regulation introduced in response to the energy crisis were applied. As a result, a full Environmental Impact Assessment report and a formal species protection assessment were not required. Instead, a species protection mitigation concept was developed, together with a summary of environmental impacts based on the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Network Development Plan.
From a technical perspective, the project relies on overhead lines, as underground AC cables at the 380 kV level are currently not considered state of the art. All applicable limit values for electromagnetic fields and noise emissions will be complied with in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Ordinance and the Technical Instructions on Noise (TA Lärm). Construction and commissioning of the project are scheduled for completion by 2030.
