APG publishes route for Austria’s 380 kV power link

Austrian Power Grid has published the planning route for the planned 380 kilovolt power link between Lienz in East Tyrol and Obersielach in Carinthia, ORF reported. About one quarter of the route lies outside the original rough corridor.

The planned corridor is 70 metres wide and 193 kilometres long. APG developed it from the rough route after talks with municipalities and local residents. The detailed route is due to be presented in late autumn.

Further planning will determine the locations of the pylons and access roads. Geological and ecological investigations are also under way. Approval procedures, including an environmental impact assessment, and construction will follow. The new lines are scheduled to enter service by 2035 at the latest.

Kärnten Netz GmbH, a subsidiary of utility Kelag, is a project partner. A new 110 kilovolt line will be built alongside the new 380 kilovolt line between Oberdrauburg and Obersielach, and eight substations will be newly constructed.

Once the new infrastructure is operating, 140 kilometres of existing 110 kilovolt lines between Lienz and Villach and between Brückl and Obersielach can be dismantled.

The project is intended to make Austria’s energy supply more stable and secure. Industry has publicly supported the project, while citizens’ initiatives oppose it. The project operators say the European Commission considers it to be of overriding public interest.