Federal Network Agency approves record number of power lines

07.01.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The authority draws a positive conclusion in terms of grid expansion. The pace is to be kept up in 2025.

The Federal Network Agency granted approval for around 1,400 kilometers of new power lines in the past year 2024. A new record. This means that a total of 2,700 kilometers of new power lines can be built under the Bonn authority's jurisdiction.

"Never before have we approved so many kilometers of line as this year. Our efforts to speed up the procedures are successful. We are planning a further increase in the number of approved kilometers next year," announced Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency, at the turn of the year.

According to the press release, around 16,800 kilometers have currently been legally approved for the expansion of the electricity grid in the Federal Requirements Plan Act (BBPlG) and the Energy Line Act (EnLAG). The Federal Network Agency is responsible for 9,600 kilometers of this, while the remaining lines are examined and approved by the federal states.

The 9,600 kilometers are divided as follows:

• 300 kilometers are about to start the approval process.
• 1,100 kilometers are at the federal planning stage, where a route corridor is being defined.
• 5,500 kilometers are in or shortly before a planning approval procedure. This involves determining the exact route of the line.
• 2,700 kilometers have been approved or can be built without a separate procedure.

In 2024, the Federal Network Agency also issued over 50 special permits for early construction work. According to the agency, this means that grid operators can already clear areas or set up construction sites before all documents have been reviewed.

The Federal Network Agency plans to issue permits for a total of around 4,400 kilometers by the end of 2025.

Author: Stefan Sagmeister