Blazing Through Berlin: 50Hertz's Push for Three Subterranean Power Corridors
Constructing Three Underground Power Infrastructures in Berlin at 50Hz Frequency - Underground Power Infrastructure Expansion: Three Hidden Electricity Conduits being Constructed Beneath Berlin by 50 Hertz
Forget overhead lines - 50Hertz has ambitious plans to push three new underground high-voltage power conduits right through the heart of Berlin. Here's a lowdown on what this means for the city and its residents.
The 50Hertz Concept
Štefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz, is all about the green revolution. "Berlin's economic success hinges on a steady supply of clean energy," he stated, "[and] these three new subterranean lines will pump up the power grid's capacities, particularly for renewable energy."
The Projects Breakdown
Cable Diagonal Berlin
First up is the Cable Diagonal Berlin, a route that snakes its way from the northwest to Marzahn in the east, bisecting the city. The planned addition beckoning between Reuter and Teufelsbruch in Berlin-Hakenfelde will stretch approximately six kilometers in length, with cables buried as deep as 40 meters below ground.
Trenching a tunnel about four meters in diameter for the cables, the new construction will ditch the old route, promising a 40% capacity upsurge, according to 50Hertz.
Cable Vertical Berlin South
The second project on the drawing board is the Cable Vertical Berlin South, boasting a 14-kilometer-long tunnel. The kick-off point lies just outside the Berlin city limits in Großbeeren, Brandenburg.
Cable Vertical Berlin North
Lastly, we've got the Cable Vertical Berlin North, a snazzy 20-kilometer-long line, with 17 kilometers burrowed underground. The route kicks off at SS Reuter, aims to connect a future substation somewhere in Tegel's vicinity, and culminates at SS Malchow.
Timeline and Costs
The phased rollout of these new lines starts in 2036, with completion anticipated by the end of the 30s. Budgetary considerations are still under the radar at this juncture.
As the Hammers Meet the Concrete
Despite most of the construction activity taking place underground, it's unlikely to be a residential walk in the park. The urban density of the central area means that building here is a technical beast, requiring negotiations with a slew of stakeholders. Kapferer urges the Berlin administration to back these energy transition initiatives.
Trade-offs and Advantages
While the construction work could cause some inconvenience, there are potential upsides for residents. For instance, underground power lines are less intrusive, which could boost property values and improve aesthetics. Plus, they'd preserve natural landscapes and reduce noise pollution, all while fortifying the grid for better reliability.
However, the specifics, such as the exact timeline, costs, and details of community impact, remain elusive at this point. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates from 50Hertz and the Berlin authorities. The green revolution's hitting Berlin hard, and it's time to plug in!
Community policy discussions are necessary to address potential impacts and compensate residents during the construction of the three subterranean power corridors in Berlin, as advised by 50Hertz's CEO, Štefan Kapferer. To support the green revolution and enhance the city's infrastructure, vocational training programs could be implemented to develop the skills necessary for the high-tech and environmental-science fields, to prepare the workforce for the projects and future maintenance of the underground power lines.
