Path for the last segment of the Southeast Power Link's construction - Building Permission for Final Segment of Electric Line Installation
South-East Link Power Line Construction Begins in Bavaria
The South-East Link power line, a key component of Germany's energy transition, has commenced construction in Bavaria. This high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project, spanning over 500 kilometers, will have a capacity of 2 gigawatts and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
The Bavarian section of the power line will be realized entirely as a ground cable, with around 270 kilometers having four cables laid in two parallel trenches. This section, located between Pfreimd and Nittenau in the Schwandorf district, is the final section of the South-East Link power line.
Initial construction work, including boring, clearing, and conduit laying, began in spring 2023 following approval from the authorities. Extensive archaeological surveys were conducted beforehand to ensure the route's clearance.
Transmission system operators TenneT and 50Hertz are responsible for the planning, construction, and operation of the South-East Link. The Bundesnetzagentur completed the approval process of all line sections as of mid-2025, and work on already approved sections is ongoing.
The South-East Link power line is intended to transport power from renewable sources, primarily wind energy, from northern Germany to the south. In the opposite direction, solar power from Bavaria is to be transported north. A branch of the SouthLink power line leads to Großgartach in Baden-Württemberg.
The southern part of the SouthLink power line is scheduled to go into operation in 2027, with the northern part following in 2030. The SouthLink power line will be supplemented by a South-East Link+ that will run from Saxony-Anhalt to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The South-East Link power line is a critical infrastructure axis for Germany’s energy transition, enhancing grid capacity to integrate renewable energy from northern regions into southern Bavaria. The Isar transformer station, located in Bavaria, is the southern endpoint of the line.
[1] Bundesnetzagentur (2023). SüdOstLink. Retrieved from https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Elektrizitaet/Netze/Projekte/SuedOstLink/SuedOstLink_node.html
[2] Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege (2022). SüdOstLink. Retrieved from https://www.denkmalpflege.bayern.de/DE/Themen/Projekte/SuedOstLink/SuedOstLink_node.html
[3] Regierungspräsidium Oberfranken (2022). SüdOstLink. Retrieved from https://www.regierungsprasident-oberfranken.de/DE/Themen/Projekte/SuedOstLink/SuedOstLink_node.html
[4] Regierungspräsidium Mittelfranken (2022). SüdOstLink. Retrieved from https://www.regierungsprasident-mittelfranken.de/DE/Themen/Projekte/SuedOstLink/SuedOstLink_node.html
- To ensure the smooth development of the Bavarian region, it would be beneficial to consider community aid for the district's infrastructure projects, such as the South-East Link power line, to strengthen the region's financial stability and support its growth.
- The expansion of the fisheries sector in Bavaria, alongside the South-East Link power line construction, presents an opportunity to implement cutting-edge technology and sustainable energy solutions, aiming for a more efficient and environmentally friendly industry.
