The components of the existing 110 kV line from the Obersielach substation (Völkermarkt district) to the Schwabeck substation (Wolfsberg district) were built and installed in the 1940s and 1960s and are now in need of renovation due to their long service life. Therefore, the existing line, which is around 20 km long, will be completely overhauled along the same route to ensure a reliable electricity supply in the region for generations to come.
The Jauntal line will be completely renewed for 50 million euros
During the general overhaul, the voltage level of 110 kilovolts will be retained and pylon locations will remain identical. In addition to the important modernization of all components (including pylons, foundations, fittings) the existing single cable will be replaced by a two-rope bundle. This will increase the transmission capacity and improve reliability. The line can currently transport 640 amperes (A) per line system. The modernization according to state-of-the-art standards will increase the line capacity to 2,500 amperes per system. This means that with the capacities available in the future, it will be possible to integrate corresponding quantities of renewable energy from the region.
Following the Carinthian Electricity Act (K-EG), the project will be submitted to the competent authority, the Carinthian provincial government, in the summer of 2024. Various specific issues governed by administrative law (e.g. nature conservation, forestry) will be examined concomitantly in individual procedures by the responsible authorities. This should facilitate a quick implementation of the project. The planned investment volume on the part of APG is around EUR 50 million. The construction work is supposed to begin in 2026, and the renewed line’s start of operation is scheduled for 2028, as the project is fundamentally important for a secure energy supply in the Carinthian Jauntal Valley.
The new Jauntal line is important for achieving the energy transition in Carinthia without jeopardizing the security of supply
Since numerous new renewable energy projects (PV and wind power) are expected to be implemented by 2030 in the region of the Lavanttal Valley in particular, and the existing line is currently not designed to transport these volumes of renewable energy, the modernization of the line will make a significant contribution to the integration and transport of sustainable electricity in Carinthia. In the future, the overhauled line will ensure that the electricity from renewable sources always gets to where it is needed, which is an important step towards achieving the energy transition in Carinthia and Austria without jeopardizing the security of supply.
"The renewal of the Jauntal line is part of APG's 9 billion investment program up to 2034 to ensure a successful energy transition in Austria, while at the same time guaranteeing the security of supply. Suitable framework conditions are needed to ensure that all our upcoming grid infrastructure projects can be implemented on schedule. An effective acceleration of approval procedures, comprehensive overall energy system planning, and the implementation of these plans are particularly important. We owe it to future generations to make sure Austria remains an attractive business location and place to live," emphasizes company spokesperson Christoph Schuh.
About Austrian Power Grid (APG)
As independent transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid (APG) is in charge of ensuring the security of the 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 and future-oriented 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 850 specialists. 67 substations are distributed all over Austria and the majority is operated remotely from APG’s control center in Vienna’s 10th district. Thanks to our committed employees Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent also in 2023 and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 445 million euros in 2024 (2023: 490 million euros, 2022: 370 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor in reaching Austria’s climate and energy targets. Until 2034 APG will invest a total of approximately 9 billion euros in grid expansion and renovation projects
Press contact
Wolfgang Gröger
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