APG Ennstal line: Positive Ruling Issued by the Vienna Administrative Court

With the general renewal of the 220 kV line, which started operation in 1949, between the Weißenbach substation in Styria and the Wagrain tie-in point in Salzburg, APG is investing approximately 145 million euros in the capacities required for the energy future and ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of electricity in the region. 

Construction and operating permit issued

An EIA determination procedure initiated by APG in June 2020 with the Styrian provincial government resulted in the conclusion that the general renewal of the line is not subject to an EIA and is therefore to be approved under the Austrian High Voltage Lines Act (Starkstromwegegesetz; StWG). This decision was confirmed by the Austrian Federal Administrative Court (BVwG). 

In July 2022, the oral StWG hearing took place in Gröbming. Since October 31, 2022, the positive decision of the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility and Technology (BMK) has been available. On April 27, the second-instance StWG hearing took place at the Vienna Administrative Court, which issued a positive decision in mid-May. This means that the construction and operating permit for the general renewal of the Ennstal line is now legally binding. 

General renewal of all components

In the course of the general overhaul, all dated components, i.e. pylons, foundations, cabling, grounding and fittings, will be brought up to the state of the art. The existing single rope will be replaced by a so-called two-rope bundle, which will increase the transmission capacity of the 73.2-kilometer-long line. At the same time, the corona noise - the familiar crackling of a power line - will be noticeably reduced.

The route will remain identical during the general overhaul, as will the voltage level of 220 kilovolts. The new pylons will be erected at the same location and with an unchanged pylon foundation. Depending on location and necessity, they will be up to 10 meters higher. This will ensure that there is no deterioration in electrical and magnetic fields in residential areas compared with the existing line. In addition, the clearance height for agricultural vehicles will be optimized. The general renewal of the Ennstal line will be implemented from 2025 to 2027, immediately after completion of the Salzburg line.

Sustainable development potential for the greater region increases

"In addition to increasing the security of supply, the general renewal of the Ennstal line is essential for the success of the energy transition. It increases the potential for integrating renewable energies, makes a significant contribution to achieving Austria's climate and energy targets, and creates sustainable development opportunities for the economy, society and tourism in the region. The investment in the Ennstal line is part of APG's investment program until 2032 amounting to 3.5 billion euros for a successful transformation of the energy system without jeopardizing the security of supply," emphasizes Christoph Schuh, company spokesperson of APG.

About Austrian Power Grid (APG)

As independent transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid (APG) is in charge of ensuring the security of electricity supply in Austria. With our high-performance and digital electricity infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies we integrate renewable energies, we are the platform for the electricity market, and we provide access to reasonably priced electricity for Austria’s consumers and thus create the basis for Austria as supply-secure industrial and business location and place to live. The APG grid totals a length of about 3,400 km and is operated, maintained and continuously adapted to the increasing challenges of the electrification of businesses, industry and society by a team of approximately 733 specialists. Also in 2022 Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 490 million euros in 2023 (2022: 370 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor in reaching Austria’s climate and energy targets. Until 2032 APG will invest a total of approximately 3.5 billion euros in grid expansion and renovation projects, which amounts to approximately 19 percent of the total of 18 billion euros which the energy industry will invest in the grid infrastructure over the next ten years.