Lienz South Connection upgrade
The requirements for the electricity grid of the future are constantly increasing, and East Tyrol and Carinthia are no exception. A high-performance power grid is needed to handle the growing number of consumers and the changing energy market in the region.
Lienz South Connection upgrade
To guarantee that the region has a secure supply of electricity now and for generations to come, APG will be upgrading the 220-kV power line running from the Lienz substation to the Italian border that was commissioned 70 years ago. In most cases the existing route corridor will be used for the line upgrade. However, in some cases it will be possible to optimise the route to increase the distance to local residents and to circumvent development areas in the municipalities and avoid potential natural hazards. Specifically, we will attempt to move the existing route corridor away from populated areas in the Amlach municipal area to improve the situation for residents.
The line upgrade will involve replacing the existing conductor cable (a single-cable configuration) with a modern two-bundle configuration, which will increase line conductivity while at the same time notably reducing corona noise (the hissing sound coming from electricity lines). The voltage level of the line will remain at 220 kV. The construction phase of the project is scheduled for 2027 to 2029.
Environmental Impact Assessment
In terms of procedure, the Lienz South connection refurbishment project is subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The EIA comprises Austria’s strictest review and approval process for infrastructure and construction projects. APG places great value on implementing key infrastructure projects by means of such an open and transparent process. The reviewing authority uses the EIA process to ensure that the entire project is presented in a transparent and detailed manner and that all stakeholders (property owners, local communities, etc.) and other parties involved in the process are able to participate in the process, i.e. to inspect and comment on the project documents. The EIA process is expected to commence in 2024.
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Municipalities
Nußdorf-Debant, Lienz, Tristach, Amlach, Leisach, Assling, Untertilliach, Obertilliach, Lesachtal
Route corridor
In most cases the existing route corridor will be used for the new line. Some optimisations will be made to increase the distance to local residents and to circumvent development areas in the municipalities and avoid potential natural hazards.
Construction phase
Following the EIA in Austria and Italy: 2–3 years
Planned from approx. summer 2027 to summer 2030 (latest)
Positive impacts
- Line upgrade: The existing line, which is around 70 years old, is no longer state-of-the-art and will be upgraded to the latest technology.
- More space for local communities: The route will be planned to account for development areas of local communities. Outside of populated areas, the existing route corridor will be used for the most part.
- Another advantage: is that this gives us an opportunity to consider the changing climate and natural hazards in our planning.
- Secure supply of electricity: The line upgrade will ensure supply security in light of the growing proportion of renewables in Austria and Italy.
- Meeting climate and energy targets: The upgrade will support the electrification of the economy, industry and society. This means that the project will make a key contribution to reaching Austria’s climate and energy targets.
- Investment: Investment in the line will add value in the region and beyond and will make East Tyrol a more attractive place to do business.
Contact person
David Kolm
Project lead
Fritz Wöber
Project communication
