zeit.de
German Grid Expansion Faces Delays Due to Overhead Line Preference
Amprion, a German transmission system operator, anticipates delays in grid expansion due to the coalition government's preference for overhead lines in new direct current projects, reversing a 2015 law prioritizing underground cables, which have proven to have significantly less public opposition and faster approval processes. Amprion plans to invest €36.4 billion from 2025-2029.
- How will the German government's policy shift favoring overhead lines for new HVDC transmission lines impact the timeline for expanding the country's electricity grid?
- Amprion, a German transmission system operator, projects delays in grid expansion due to the coalition government's preference for overhead lines in new direct current projects. Currently, underground cables have priority, leading to fewer acceptance issues and faster approval processes. Shifting to overhead lines would reverse this, lengthening approval times and potentially increasing costs.
- What are the key differences in public acceptance and approval processes between underground and overhead high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines in Germany?
- The German government's policy shift towards prioritizing overhead lines for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines aims for cost efficiency, as stated in the coalition agreement. However, this contradicts the current legal preference for underground cables, established in 2015, and may lead to increased public opposition and delays in project implementation. Amprion's experience shows significantly less local acceptance issues for underground cables.
- Considering Amprion's concerns, what are the potential long-term consequences of prioritizing cost efficiency over other factors in the expansion of Germany's electricity grid?
- Amprion's concerns highlight a trade-off between cost efficiency and project timelines, and social acceptance. Prioritizing overhead lines risks prolonging approval processes due to increased public opposition, potentially offsetting cost savings. The long-term impact might include further delays in Germany's energy transition, impacting renewable energy integration and supply security. Amprion plans to invest €36.4 billion in grid expansion from 2025-2029.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed from the perspective of Amprion, highlighting their concerns and potential challenges. The headline (not provided but inferred) likely emphasizes Amprion's apprehension about delays. The focus on the company's financial success and planned investments further reinforces this framing, potentially influencing readers to view the situation through Amprion's lens.
Language Bias
The article uses fairly neutral language, mostly presenting facts and statements. However, the inclusion of quotes like "Wir haben bei Erdkabeln deutlich weniger Probleme mit der lokalen Akzeptanz" (We have significantly fewer problems with local acceptance with underground cables) could be considered slightly loaded, as it presents this as a straightforward fact rather than a potential interpretation or opinion. More neutral wording could be to say, "Amprion reports less local resistance to underground cables.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Amprion's perspective and concerns regarding the potential delays in the grid expansion due to the shift in preference towards overhead lines. It mentions the cost-efficiency goals of the coalition agreement but doesn't delve into detailed cost comparisons or analyses supporting the claim that overhead lines are significantly cheaper. Additionally, while the article notes that the coalition will consider heavily burdened regions, it lacks specific examples or details on how this consideration will be implemented. Finally, alternative solutions or technologies beyond overhead and underground cables are not discussed.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the decision as a choice between overhead lines and underground cables, neglecting other potential solutions or strategies for grid expansion. The implication is that a return to overhead line priority is the only way to avoid delays, overlooking the possibility of innovative solutions or adjustments to the permitting process.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the expansion of Germany