Omexom Germany Delivers 380 kV Transmission Line Between Birkenfeld and Ötisheim
Omexom in Germany has successfully completed and commissioned the new 380 kV transmission line between Birkenfeld and Ötisheim, a major infrastructure project that strengthens regional power supply and supports Germany’s Energiewende, Germany’s ongoing transition to renewable energy systems.
The project includes about 12 kilometers of new 380 kV overhead line within a total route length of around 14 kilometers. This length covers both new construction and reconstruction. Built mostly parallel to the A8 motorway, the line shows efficient land use while reducing environmental impact, which is an important requirement in grid expansion projects.
Grid Connection Scope and Structural Innovations
To connect the Birkenfeld substation to the 380 kV grid operated by TransnetBW, the project involved building 37 new 380 kV towers and 5 new 110 kV towers. It also required modifying or reinforcing 9 existing towers. The reinforced 380 kV towers received two external ground wires and double ground wire tips to meet current safety and reliability standards. After the project is finished, 37 existing towers from Netze BW and DB Energie will be dismantled by 2027, significantly streamlining the grid corridor.
A key innovation in the project is the use of solid-wall towers at the 380 kV level for the first time in Germany. In total, 18 solid-wall 380 kV towers were built and 4 solid-wall 110 kV towers will be built in 2026. These towers reach heights of up to 95 meters and combine 380 kV and 110 kV circuits on a single mast (380 kV towers), which optimizes corridor use and allows for the removal of outdated infrastructure. Additional lattice towers were also constructed, creating a hybrid solution suited to technical, ecological, and spatial limitations.
Overcoming Technical and Logistical Challenges
The project faced several technical and logistical challenges. These included the first-ever construction of solid-wall 380 kV towers under complex planning conditions, five conductor crossings over the A8 motorway, some near major highway construction, and a delayed project start that needed multiple schedule changes. Additionally, strict ecological requirements required close cooperation with authorities and stakeholders to protect sensitive environments.
The project scope also included five complex wire-rope hoists across the A8, which needed precise coordination, strong safety protocols, and detailed logistics planning. At the same time, sections of existing 110 kV lines operated by Netze BW and DB Energie were rerouted or restrung, which helped modernize the regional grid.
Despite these challenges, the transmission line is now fully operational on the 380 kV level.