Austrian Power Grid: Positive EIA Decision for the Lienz South Connection

The oral hearing of the EIA authority — representing the federal provinces of Tyrol and Carinthia — took place from September 30 to October 2, 2025, at the Kolpinghaus in Lienz. Just four and a half months later, the authority has now granted formal approval. This decision marks a major milestone in the realization of one of the region’s most important infrastructure projects. The Lienz South Connection will significantly enhance the security of supply and support the growing exchange of renewable energy between Austria and Italy.

Gerhard Christiner, Spokesman of the Executive Board of APG, commented: “The approval of the Lienz South Connection represents our seventh successfully completed EIA procedure. It underscores the high quality and feasibility of our route planning. With this project, the Lienz substation is further strengthening its role as a central energy hub, with key connections to Salzburg, Carinthia, and Italy.”

The decision confirms that the project will not result in adverse impacts on nature conservation, the environment, or human health. Based on the expert assessments and the comprehensive EIA procedure, the authority has therefore determined that the Lienz South Connection renewal project is environmentally compatible and legally permissible.

Why the existing line needs to be rebuilt

To ensure a secure and reliable power supply for future generations, APG’s 220 kV transmission line from the Lienz substation to the Italian border must be rebuilt. The line, which entered operation more than 70 years ago, has reached the end of its technical lifespan. From the border onward, the infrastructure is operated by the Italian transmission system operator Terna. Most of the new construction will follow the existing route. However, targeted optimizations will be implemented to increase distances from residential areas, designated municipal development zones, and areas exposed to potential natural hazards. The total investment amounts to approximately €280 million. Commissioning of the upgraded line is scheduled for 2031.

Gerhard Christiner, Spokesman of the Executive Board of APG, emphasizes: “Grid expansion must be given the same priority as the expansion of renewable energy. Only a sufficiently dimensioned and modern power grid can guarantee security of supply, ensure system flexibility, and provide affordable electricity access for all customers.”

As part of the renewal, the existing single conductor cables will be replaced with modern twin-bundle conductors. This will significantly increase transmission capacity while substantially reducing corona noise — the characteristic crackling sound sometimes associated with overhead lines. The voltage level will remain unchanged at 220 kilovolts. Construction is planned from 2027 to 2031. The new pylons will be taller but more slender in design compared to the existing structures.

The total route length is 35 kilometers, including 30.7 kilometers in Tyrol and 4.3 kilometers in Carinthia. A total of 121 pylons will be constructed (107 in Tyrol and 14 in Carinthia). The line will pass through the municipalities of Nußdorf-Debant, Lienz, Tristach, Amlach, Leisach, Assling, Untertilliach, Obertilliach, and Lesachtal. The dismantling of the existing line will take place in parallel with the construction of the new infrastructure.

The Lienz South Connection forms part of a nationwide investment program under which approximately €9 billion will be invested in grid expansion and modernization across Austria by 2034. The project is also included in the Grid Development Plan approved by E-Control in November 2023. Further information on APG’s major investment projects is available at: www.netzentwicklungsplan.at

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 and reduce the dependency on electricity imports, we are the platform for the electricity market, and we provide access to reasonably priced electricity 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 3,500 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 1,000 specialists. 67 substations are distributed all over Austria and the majority is operated remotely from the control center in Vienna. Thanks to our committed employees Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent also in 2025 and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 680 million euros in 2026 (2025: 595 million euros, 2024: 440 million euros, 2023: 490 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor for achieving Austria’s energy goals. Overall APG will invest around 9 billion euros in grid expansion and modernization measures until 2034.