Abstract
A successful energy turnaround – the so-called Energiewende – requires the reinforcement and expansion of the electricity grid. In late 2015, the German government approved a law prioritizing the use of underground cables over overhead lines near residential areas in order to speed up the grid expansion and to minimize local resistances. This paper deals with the perception and acceptance of concerned parties regarding an underground cable project planned in a rural area (Rheinisches Braunkohlerevier). By means of qualitative interviews the perspectives of local farmers and residents on the Energiewende, acceptance and evaluation of the grid expansion in general as well as the planned underground cable project and its ancillary facilities which are to be implemented in the living environment of the two affected parties were investigated and compared. The results show group-related similarities and differences. Overall, both groups were found to have a positive attitude towards the Energiewende and a preference for underground cables compared to overhead lines. However, criticism towards both issues was also voiced. Despite the general preference for underground cables, local residents evaluate the particular underground cable project in the investigated region rather neutral, partly indifferent, and in some aspects critical. In contrast, the attitude of local farmers is rather critical due to a multitude of perceived disadvantages, which partially lead to (active) acts of resistance that could slow down the project. It becomes obvious that regional site characteristics, spatio-temporal processes, habit-forming effects as well as experience and knowledge play a substantial role when evaluating the planned underground cables and that these aspects should be considered when planning grid infrastructure projects.
Highlights
A successful energy turnaround – the so-called Energiewende – requires the reinforcement and expansion of the electricity grid
In late 2015, the German government approved a law prioritizing the use of underground cables over overhead lines near residential areas in order to speed up the grid expansion and to minimize local resistances
This paper deals with the perception and acceptance of concerned parties regarding an underground cable project planned in a rural area (Rheinisches Braunkohlerevier)
Summary
Der deutsche Atomausstieg bis 2022 und der Ausbau erneuerbarer Energien werden von der deutschen Bevölkerung mehrheitlich befürwortet. Eine gelingende Energiewende und sichere Stromversorgung erfordern jedoch die Verstärkung und den Ausbau der Netzinfrastruktur. Nach von Roon, Sutter, Samweber et al (2014: 17) sind die Kosten für Erdkabel um den Faktor 3 bis 10 höher und ihre Lebensdauer mit 20 bis 40 Jahren wesentlich kürzer als die von Freileitungen (80 bis 100 Jahre). Die Trassenbreite und der Umfang der Tiefbauarbeiten sind beim Einsatz von HGÜ in der Regel schmaler, da ein Kabel weniger benötigt wird. Die Kabel beeinflussen sich aufgrund der geringeren Verluste auch thermisch weniger stark gegenseitig, wodurch sie mit geringeren Abständen verlegt werden können (Consentec/Bosch & Partner/Koch 2016: 65). Hierdurch werden bei HGÜ-Trassen weniger Muffen zur Verbindung einzelner Kabelstränge benötigt, womit sich Verlegeaufwand und Bauzeit einer HGÜ- gegenüber einer HDÜ-Trasse verringern können (Deutsche Energie-Agentur 2014: 25 ff; Consentec/ Bosch & Partner/Koch 2016: 66). Abschließend folgt die Diskussion der Ergebnisse und es wird ein Fazit gezogen (Kapitel 5)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
