Creos announces the modernisation of its high voltage network

The route of the new 48-kilometre 380 kV extra-high-voltage power line between Aach in Germany and Bertrange via the Alzette Valley has now been decided.

Just a few adaptations are still needed for the new high-voltage line project, particularly to bypass water protection zones, explained Claude Kraft of Creos on Wednesday. Estimated at around €350 million, the project is set for completion in 2029.

Eisenborn not convinced by the new route

The route is finalised, however the choice is not entirely suitable for Eisenborn.

"It's a route that everyone agrees is the right one now," says Creos CEO Laurence Zenner. However, that wasn't always the case. Citizens' initiatives in Imbringen and Eisenborn garnered nearly a thousand responses against the project.

To this day, some in Eisenborn remain unhappy with the proposed route. "It's a situation where you can't satisfy everyone 100%," admits Zenner. Nevertheless, Creos is exploring ways to make small adjustments, particularly to protect water zones.

Eight adjustments still to be made

Minor adjustments will be made to the route, as required by environmental authorities – eight in total. These include changes to better protect water zones and adjustements near Junglinster, where the line passes too close to a business park. In Eisenborn, the line will be close to residential areas, but with a minimum distance of 250 metres to reduce potential noise. To mitigate crackling sounds caused by fog and humidity, Creos has opted for thicker cables, explains Kraft.

The new high-voltage line, will require 145 pylons, each between 60 and 70 metres tall. It will replace the old 220 kV network, which was 75km long and had 225 pylons. A new transformer station will be built in Bofferdange to integrate the existing infrastructure and manage multiple voltage levels (380 kV, 220 kV and 110/65 kV).

Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2029. By 2030, the old lines will be dismantled. The total cost of the project is €350 million, though fluctuating material prices could affect the final cost.

"This new high-voltage line is essential due to the growing demand for electricity, particularly driven by the rise of electromobility, photovoltaic installations, and wind turbines," Zenner explains.

Electricity prices to go up over the next couple of years

When asked about the impact of the project on electricity prices, Zenner acknowledged that while prices will not fall, they may rise slightly in the short term. However, given the scale of the project, which will pay for itself over 45 years, the price changes will not be immediate. The focus remains on responsible pricing for consumers.

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