Spannberg substation

Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Spannberg Substation

The Next Major Step Toward a Renewable Energy Future

Spannberg is set to become a central hub in Lower Austria’s energy landscape. Austrian Power Grid (APG) and Netz Niederösterreich GmbH (Netz NÖ) are constructing a new grid node south of the Sulzbach stream, directly on the municipal border with Velm-Götzendorf. The aim is to safely integrate renewable electricity from wind and solar power into the regional supply network. The first power is expected to flow through the new facilities in mid-2028, with full completion scheduled for mid-2029.

The new Spannberg substation will channel renewable electricity generated in the region between Mistelbach and Dürnkrut into the extra-high-voltage grid. By linking Netz NÖ’s existing substation with APG’s nationwide transmission network, it will help maintain the high security and quality of supply for generations to come.

“The use of renewable energy sources in our own country is another important step toward reducing import dependency, strengthening regional value creation, and supporting Lower Austria as an economic location,” emphasizes René Lobner, Member of the Lower Austrian Parliament, speaking on behalf of Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.

For full details, please see the press release Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Spannberg Substation.

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The preparatory work started mid-October

A new bridge over the Sulzbach and an access road for heavy goods vehicles will relieve the burden on the town centers and protect the cycle path. In addition, earthworks have begun (removal and leveling of the terrain to create a flat surface).

Past meets future

Large crowds at the "Open Excavation Day": visitors find out about finds & construction project

On October 3, more than 200 visitors marveled at the numerous archaeological finds that have been uncovered on the APG construction site since August and made accessible to the public on this day as part of guided tours:

• The finds from the Neolithic period include fragments of pottery and a grindstone that was used to process grain into flour.
• The people buried in the cemetery were given grave goods. These included ceramic vessels, costume items such as buckles, jewelry such as glass beads and food offerings. These grave goods were typical for graves from the early Middle Ages. 
• A pot with wavy lines of decoration is attributed to the so-called Danube type, which was popular in our region from the 8th and 9th centuries. Everyday objects also found their place. It was easy to light a fire with a fire steel and flints. An iron bracket and elongated iron fragments show the remains of a small wooden bucket. Fragments of knives were also found in several graves.

Start of construction for security of supply

In addition to the archaeologists, experts from APG spoke at the event about the importance of the new Spannberg substation for the regional electricity supply and the secure, affordable energy transition in Austria. The project is part of the EUR 9 billion investment program to strengthen the Austrian extra-high voltage grid by 2034, as part of which APG is expanding and converting its lines and substations.

"With the new Spannberg substation, we are creating a direct connection between Netz Niederösterreich's distribution grid and APG's Austria-wide electricity grid. This will secure the electricity supply in the region for the coming decades. In addition, surplus wind and solar power that is not consumed locally can be distributed and used throughout Austria in future," explains Christoph Guldner, who is managing the project for APG. And he adds: "The preparatory construction measures such as bridge construction and building the access road will start in mid-October. Commissioning of the first parts of the plant is planned for the end of 2028, with overall completion scheduled for mid-2029."

The responsible treatment of natural and cultural assets is part of all network infrastructure projects at APG, which cooperates with the Federal Monuments Office and archaeological experts as standard during project development - especially in eastern Austria, where experience has shown that significant historical traces are discovered.

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Open excavation day

On Friday, October 10, 2025, APG invites you to the open excavation day at the future Spannberg substation. Experience archaeologists live at work at the excavation site. The program includes guided tours, an exhibition of selected finds and an immersion into the exciting world of electricity supply. Visit us & take a look behind the scenes of the excavation site!

Date: Friday, 3. October 2025, 2:30 pm

Duration:  approx. 90 minutes

Location: Meeting point at the blue construction container
                 Am Bach, 2244 Spannberg