Styria line
The existing Styria line is part of the 380-kV safety ring in the APG grid and thus an essential component for the secure supply of electricity and the success of the energy transition in the region and throughout Austria.
Essential for a secure electricity supply and the success of the energy transition
The Styria line is part of the 380-kV safety ring in APG's grid. It is a safe and efficient concept for a sustainably secure electricity supply throughout Austria.
As an important link in the east-west connection in APG's grid, the Styria line connects the wind-powered east of Austria with the pumped storage power plants in central Austria (Malta and Kaprun). This means that sustainable electricity can be distributed and used throughout Austria.
Furthermore, the Styria line enables an improved integration of renewable energies in the greater region of Styria and in southern Burgenland. It thus makes an important contribution to the success of the energy transition and to the increasing electrification of the economy, industry and society in the region.
98 km
340
3
380-kV
32
Commissioning third sub-conductor
With the aim of making the 380-kV safety ring fit for the energy industry requirements of the future, measures are required in the south-eastern area of the ring. With the commissioning of the third section of the Styria line, its full transmission capacity can be used in the future.
Due to the increasing electrification in all areas of life, the current climate protection goals and the enormous expansion of renewable energies, the increase in the capacity of the Styria line through the commissioning of the third section has become necessary from an energy industry perspective.
The commissioning of the third sub-conductor is a purely legal measure, which means that no structural measures are necessary on the Styria line. The existing route length, number of masts, voltage level, as well as the cable position and servitude areas remain unchanged. Only the substations in Kainachtal, Eastern Styria and Southern Burgenland will need to be upgraded due to the higher future capacity provided by the Styria line.
As part of the 380-kV safety ring in the APG grid, this capacity expansion of the Styria line will make a significant contribution to the secure supply of electricity and the success of the energy transition, both in the region and throughout Austria.
Project Roadmap
Positive decision according to the Heavy Current Routes Act
The positive decision in accordance with the Heavy Current Routes Act was issued by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK).
Hearing according to the High Voltage Routes Act
Negotiation with the competent authority, the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK), in accordance with the Heavy Current Routes Act.
StWG submission
Submission of project documents to the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology in accordance with the High Voltage Lines Act (Starkstromwegegesetz, StWG).
Frequently asked questions - FAQ
After receiving a positive High Voltage Lines Act (Starkstromwegegesetz, StWG) decision from the Federal Ministry of Climate Action and Energy (Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, BMK), part of the capacity of the third sub-conductor can be used immediately. However, full utilisation is only possible after the corresponding reinforcement measures in the integrated substations.
Since the 380-kV Styria line has already been approved by the EIA in terms of construction with three sub-conductors, only the use of the third sub-conductor for electricity transport is the subject of the procedure. This is a mere extension in operational terms, which requires a permit according to the High Voltage Lines Act (Starkstromwegegesetz, StWG).
All owners of land along the line and those entitled to it in rem (e.g. persons entitled to servitudes) are parties to the proceedings.
The third sub-conductor was designed as a field control cable to reduce corona noise emissions during the planning and construction of the line. For this functionality, the third sub-conductor had to be electrically conductively connected to the current-carrying planned bundle of two. Therefore, current already flows through the third sub-conductor, but only the proportional nominal current of a two-conductor bundle.
In terms of energy economics, a two-conductor bundle was sufficient at the time of planning the Styria line. During the planning and construction of the line, the third sub-conductor was designed as a field control cable to reduce corona noise emissions. For this functionality, the third sub-conductor had to be electrically conductively connected to the current-carrying planned two-bundle. The fittings used for this (field spacers, connectors, clamps, etc.) do not differ from usual fittings for three-bundle cables.
Due to the increasing electrification in all areas of life, the current climate protection goals and the expansion of renewable energies, the capacity of the third sub-conductor has now become necessary from an energy industry perspective.
From the point of view of the energy industry and business management, the equipment in the transformer stations was also designed according to the nominal current of a two-conductor bundle during construction. Upgrading to the current capacity would have caused unnecessary costs at that time. The upgrading of the transformer stations that is now required means that the current-carrying capacity of the third sub-conductor can be used for power transmission without any measures on the line.
Corona noise emissions are dependent on the operating voltage of the overhead line. Since the operating voltage remains unchanged, there are no changes in the sound emissions. The use of the third sub-conductor as the live part of the transmission line system has no effect on its sound-reducing effect. With regard to electric and magnetic fields (EMF), all relevant limit values are complied with.
Since no reconstruction measures are necessary on the line, only costs for adaptations of grid control systems (e.g. protection adaptations) are incurred, which are low compared to line reconstruction or new construction projects.
Contact person
Stefanie Eisenhuber
Project lead
Stefan Walehrach
Project communication
