- Grid expansion upgrades transmission grid in Rhine-Main region for 380-kV operation
- Stronger north-south axis secures supply and boosts transport capacity
- EQOS Energie impresses with broad service portfolio and reliable planning
Over the next few years, the Germany South-West profit center in the Overhead Line Construction business unit at EQOS Energie will be involved in the implementation of a project of national importance in the area of grid expansion. In the southern section of the major Rhine-Neckar-North Baden (RNN) project, listed as Project No. 19 in the Federal Requirements Plan Act, EQOS Energie will undertake extensive work on the high-voltage grid, such as replacement construction, parallel construction, and re-stringing, on the approximately 31-kilometer section between Philippsburg and Karlsruhe-Daxlanden in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The client is transmission system operator TransnetBW.
Security of supply and the basis for sustainability
“In this comprehensive project, existing 220-kV lines are being upgraded for 380-kV operation – on a large scale,” said Thomas Reichel, Managing Director of EQOS Energie and Head of the Overhead Line Construction business unit. “Ultimately, the large-scale conversion to 380-kV operation will cover the entire region between Frankfurt am Main and Karlsruhe and significantly increase the transmission capacity of the power grid. This represents another step towards sustainability, since the grid expansion forms the infrastructural basis for the energy transformation. In addition, the project will contribute to the security of supply for the numerous industrial sites in the Rhine-Main area,” Reichel added.
The transmission grid between Frankfurt and Karlsruhe is particularly challenged by high loads. The transport of electricity from renewable energy sources further increases demands on the grid. EQOS Energie is significantly strengthening the north-south axis south of Frankfurt during this construction phase, minimising grid overloads and proactively preventing them. The route of the upgraded line largely follows the existing route.
Peter Hochberger, Head of the Germany South-West profit center, provided more detailed explanations: “Our team will replace cables, add additional cables, and completely rebuild various line systems. Beginning at the start of 2026 and depending on the construction phase and the work to be carried out, we will have up to 70 employees on site.”
EQOS expertise proves convincing
Hochberger cites adherence to the specified schedule and the need for extensive and detailed conversion planning as particular challenges. “However, we are very well positioned in this area,” the head of the profit center said. “EQOS Energie’s specific engineering expertise guarantees reliability and is particularly valuable during the planning effort in connection with the conversion and expansion of power grids. Highly qualified and experienced colleagues cover the entire range of services and tailor them to individual customer requirements. It is therefore no coincidence that EQOS Energy prevailed in the tender procedure.”
Photo: Dr. Rainer Pflaum (TransnetBW), Dr. Werner Götz (CEO TransnetBW), Thomas Reichel (Managing Director EQOS Energie and Head of the Overhead Line Construction Business Unit) and Peter Hochberger (Head of the Germany South-West Profit Centre) at the signing of the contract (from left to right). © TransnetBW