Austria begins 240 million euro Ennstal power line upgrade

Austria’s 220-kilovolt Ennstal power line is being comprehensively renewed after more than 70 years in operation, ORF reports. The route will remain unchanged, but all 234 pylons and the technical components will be replaced, with some pylons built significantly higher.

The approximately 73-kilometre line has supplied electricity to the Ennstal since 1949. The project covers around 56 kilometres in Styria and 17 kilometres in Salzburg.

Austrian Power Grid began the renewal at the end of July on the section between Wagrain in Salzburg and Weißenbach bei Liezen in Styria. The project is expected to cost around 240 million euros, with full completion, including the removal of access roads and land restoration, planned for autumn 2028.

APG board spokesman Gerhard Christiner said the project would create around 1,300 jobs during construction. He said investments in electricity infrastructure would strengthen supply security and provide economic stimulus for the regions and Austria’s economy.

According to a study by Economica, the investment is expected to generate around 112 million euros in gross value added in Austria, including more than 10 million euros in Styria.