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Electricity, References – 17. December 2020

Cable Protection Pipes for the Energy Transition

Pipe Systems are Crucial for Rapid Grid Expansion

Due to the German government’s decision to gradually phase out nuclear and coal power generation by 2038, the rapid expansion of Germany’s transmission grid is essential. For efficient expansion, the choice of the right pipe systems and connection technologies is a crucial success factor.

Currently, the share of renewable energies in Germany is 46%. By 2030, it is to be increased to 65%. In addition to the conversion of energy generation, the transport of electricity to consumers also poses a challenge. In the future, electricity cannot always be generated close to consumption. A large part of future wind energy will be generated in the North and Baltic Seas. To reconcile the increasing energy demand with climate goals and ensure security of supply, strong electricity grids designed for renewable energies are needed. According to the Grid Development Plan Electricity 2019–2030, the Federal Network Agency plans to build 3,600 additional kilometers of transmission lines by 2030. Part of the solution is expansion using High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission. The expansion plan includes three direct current routes that are to transport electricity from the north to the south: Südlink, Südostlink, A-Nord (Ultranet) and a planned fourth route. The corridor for the fourth direct current route is planned from Heide in Schleswig-Holstein via Wilhelmshaven to Polsum in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Germany’s Electricity Mix 2019 (Net)

Share of energy sources in net electricity generation in Germany.

Expansion Plan for HVDC Connections

A-Nord, Heide-Polsum, Südlink and Südostlink.

The tight schedule for the expansion of the direct current routes presents major challenges for transmission system operators and the responsible construction companies. The success of grid expansion projects depends on the rapid and straightforward completion of the underground cable routes. The use of high-performance pipe systems is necessary for rapid and safe construction progress of the individual route sections. This allows sections to be specifically piped and closed independently of cable pulling.

High-performance pipe systems for grid expansion

egeplast offers system solutions consisting of protection pipes and connection technologies that can be individually adapted to project requirements. The egeplast Power Protect protection pipe for high and extra-high voltage cables up to 525 kV withstands the thermal stresses that occur. The service life of the pipes exceeds the operating time of the installed cables. Thus, if required, new cable systems can be pulled into the existing pipes. Depending on the installation method and route characteristics, egeplast offers safe and fast connection technologies – push-fit connections for open trench, welded connections for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and the ploughing method. With these individual system solutions, a number of power transmission lines have already been realized economically and safely.

Usage comparison of egeplast Power Protect pipes

Significantly longer service life and depreciation periods for applications at temperatures above 70°C.

The “Power Protect” power film shows which solutions egeplast offers for the success of the energy transition. In an expert interview, Erwin Behrends, an engineering service provider in the field of energy distribution and generation, explains how the restructuring of the energy supply can be successfully shaped.

Dipl.-Ing. Erwin Behrends from B+ Ingenieur Gesellschaft mbH sums it up: “The use of pipe systems is crucial for the rapid and sustainable expansion of the energy transition. egeplast has recognized the market requirements and implemented them in innovative system solutions for all installation methods.”

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More Information

egeplast
Power Protect PE

Protective pipes for high and extra-high voltage cables with a low-friction inner layer and individual marking.

UV-resistant signal color layer

Solid wall or co-extruded, optionally with stripes

Inspection-friendly inner layer: optionally highly slidable or abrasion-resistant

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Your Contact
Alexander Cosse
Key Account Manager Energy Solutions, egeplast international GmbH

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