Lower Saxony’s Minister-President, Olaf Lies, has strongly opposed a shift away from underground cables towards overhead power lines in Germany’s ongoing electricity grid expansion. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” Lies emphasized the significant financial costs – billions of euros – associated with any delays in the rollout. He stated that a return to overhead lines would inevitably trigger such delays, particularly due to anticipated public opposition and challenges in securing community involvement.
Lies underscored that a return to overhead lines would likely face considerable societal resistance, referencing the painstaking efforts undertaken to establish broad public acceptance for underground cabling. He warned against jeopardizing this achieved consensus.
The coalition agreement between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) stipulates that new high-voltage direct current transmission networks (HGÜ) should be implemented as overhead lines “where possible” with a particular focus on regions experiencing high electrical load.
A priority for underground cabling has been in place for large transmission networks since 2016. This measure was introduced with the express goal of enhancing public acceptance for grid expansion projects nationwide. The continued adherence to this principle remains a key consideration for officials navigating the complexities of Germany’s energy transition.