Construction on the Ultranet high-voltage power line is set to begin this March. The project, designed to carry direct current from northern to southern Germany, will involve modifications to 28 electricity pylons in the Rheingau-Taunus and Main-Taunus districts.
Pylon Height Increases
The pylons will be raised nearly eight meters to reduce the impact of electromagnetic fields on nearby populations. The specific locations affected by these construction activities include Hünstetten, Idstein, and Niedernhausen in the Rheingau-Taunus district, as well as Eppstein and Hofheim in the Main-Taunus district.
The citizen’s initiative Umweltschutz Taunus is currently pursuing legal action against the power line, citing concerns that the lines pass directly over residential areas in some locations.
What’s Next?
the legal challenge brought by Umweltschutz Taunus could lead to revisions in the power line’s route or design. Further construction is likely to proceed as planned in the Rheingau-Taunus and Main-Taunus districts, but the timing of operate in the Westerwaldkreis, Rhein-Lahn-Kreis, and Limburg-Weilburg districts – slated for the second quarter of this year – could be affected. A possible next step is for Amprion to continue preparing access routes to the pylon locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Ultranet project?
The Ultranet project is designed to carry direct current from northern Germany to the south.
Which communities are directly affected by the initial construction phase?
Hünstetten, Idstein, Niedernhausen, Eppstein, and Hofheim are the communities directly affected by the initial construction phase, involving modifications to electricity pylons.
Is there opposition to the Ultranet project?
Yes, the citizen’s initiative Umweltschutz Taunus has filed a lawsuit against the project due to concerns about the power lines passing over residential areas.
How will large-scale infrastructure projects like Ultranet balance the demand for energy transmission with community concerns and environmental protection?
