The Rhein-Main-Link transmission line is one of the central grid expansion projects in Germany. Amprion GmbH, a German transmission system operator, is responsible for project implementation. Renewable wind power will be transported from Lower Saxony via North Rhine-Westphalia to the economic region of Hesse over a total length of more than 500 km via 4 extra-high-voltage direct current connections.
As part of a consortium with Arcadis and ILF, the BERNARD Gruppe was commissioned with the environmental monitoring of the planning approval procedure and the preparation of the environmental permit application documents for the Hesse 4 planning approval section. The route runs through the districts of Hochtaunus and Rheingau-Taunus, which are characterized by a partly challenging topography with hilly terrain, dense forests and sometimes difficult geological conditions.
Parts of the project area are designated as Natura 2000 sites, which are of particular importance for the protection of species and habitats. The Limes, an outstanding archaeological monument and world cultural heritage site, is also located in the project area. As part of the route alignment, we continuously check the impact of the planned route on the environment. An adapted fine alignment will make it possible to bypass valuable and sensitive areas and protect them from stress.
As part of the environmental permit application documents (e.g. landscape conservation plan, Natura 2000 impact assessment, forestry permit application document), the environmental impact of the final route variant submitted for permit application will be assessed, and measures will be developed to avoid or minimize negative environmental effects.
Where environmental impact is unavoidable, compensatory measures will be developed. The close integration of environmental planning and engineering will guarantee a route alignment that ensures both the functionality of the project and the long-term protection of the environment.
Caroline Medefind, BERNARD Gruppe
