Saxony backs the end of cable priority in underground grid expansion.

Power supplied through the national grid - Saxony backs the end of cable priority in underground grid expansion.

Concerning the growth of power grids, the Saxon state government now advocates against prioritizing underground cables in the future. The Saxon Energy Ministry stated, in response to a query, that the federal government should establish the legal groundwork to waive the preference for underground cables.

Enhancing renewable energy sources is critical for the continual advancement of the energy transition. Additionally, there's a necessity for transmission network expansion from northern to southern Germany or eastern Germany. Affordability must also be maintained during the energy transition. "Therefore, the most cost-effective options should be selectable," the ministry opined. Overhead lines also hold the advantage of being constructed more quickly with fewer environmental disturbances.

Thousands of kilometers of new power lines must be laid across the country for the energy transformation. These "power highways" mostly need to transport wind energy from the north to the south. Much of this should be underground cables, but they are significantly more expensive than overhead lines. These expenses will be borne by all electricity consumers. Consequently, certain federal states propose a return to overhead power lines because of the costs.

In 2015, the previous grand coalition of the Union and SPD established the priority of massive power highways for underground cables. However, these underground lines have led to additional billions in expenses for customers and corporations.

Read also:

1. Despite the preference for underground cables in the past, several federal states are advocating for the use of alternative energies, such as wind power, to be transmitted through more affordable overhead lines due to their cost effectiveness.
2. The Saxon Energy Ministry, in response to a query, urged the federal government to establish legal grounds to waive the preference for underground cables in the future, as part of the grid expansion for the energy transition.
3. The power grid expansion, particularly from northern to southern Germany or eastern Germany, requires the construction of new power lines, many of which need to employ overhead lines to keep costs down while ensuring a reliable energy supply.
4. Dresden, like other regions, may benefit from this shift towards more cost-effective transmission methods, as the expansion of the power grid and the integration of alternative energies into the overall electricity supply becomes a priority.
5. As the country moves towards a broader energy transition, the debate over whether to prioritize overhead lines or underground cables in power grid expansion remains an important topic for policymakers and energy consumers alike.

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