The transition to renewable energies is intended to smooth the way for an environmentally compatible and secure energy future, and not just in Germany. In the coming years, Europe will be confronting the challenge of implementing a sustainable energy supply with as little impact as possible. It is in this context that Dutch transmission system operator TenneT is counting on an innovative compact pylon system from Bavaria. From 2018 TenneT will be having two important 380 kV line sections in the Netherlands built using innovative compact pylons – realised by a consortium consisting of Dutch construction company Heijmans and Bavarian pole building specialist Europoles. The total order volume is around € 220 million.
The two consortium partners ultimately won the tender in the face of competition from more than 40 companies. For Europoles the contract is not only the largest project order in the company's history, it is also one that allows it to realise a new and innovative pylon concept. ‘This order is a big step forward in widespread use of compact pylons in Germany. We also want to further promote the use of innovative pylons in our home market’ says Dr. Martin Prillmann, Chief Executive Officer of Europoles. TenneT has already used this kind of compact pylon, having installed the ‘Wintrack I’ on some of its line sections in the Netherlands. But whereas the Wintrack I pylons were still made entirely of steel, the second generation now uses a hybrid design comprising a steel top section and a concrete bottom section.
Innovative pylon concept
A total of 473 compact pylons will cover a 80 km corridor, split up into a north-west link (Eemshaven-Vierverlaten) and a south-west link (Borssele-Rilland). Thanks to their compact, enclosed design the ‘Wintrack II’ pylons have a particularly slender look, because even at heights of to 75 metres, their base diameter is just two to four metres. Compared with conventional pylon systems this reduces the necessary corridor width considerably as well as the effects on protective goods: human beings, animals and environment. The slender design means the poles can be integrated harmoniously into the landscape and with minimal intervention into the natural environment. Above all, compact power lines can be installed further away from residential areas and sensitive regions. Consequently, the power line corridors have much less of an impact on the regions in which they are located, so residents are more willing to accept a necessary grid expansion. Another effect of the compact design is that electromagnetic fields are reduced significantly.
Implementation phase
January 2018 should see the launch of production of the slim hybrid pylons at Europoles. Within the consortium with partner Heijmans, the European market leader for pylon systems will be responsible for project planning, manufacture and assembly of all compact pylons, while the Dutch building group will take charge of the pylon foundations and the access roads for the two overhead line corridors. With this project Europoles is setting a milestone for future environmentally friendly power lines in Europe and recommends the application for selected power line sections in Germany.
The two consortium partners ultimately won the tender in the face of competition from more than 40 companies. For Europoles the contract is not only the largest project order in the company's history, it is also one that allows it to realise a new and innovative pylon concept. ‘This order is a big step forward in widespread use of compact pylons in Germany. We also want to further promote the use of innovative pylons in our home market’ says Dr. Martin Prillmann, Chief Executive Officer of Europoles. TenneT has already used this kind of compact pylon, having installed the ‘Wintrack I’ on some of its line sections in the Netherlands. But whereas the Wintrack I pylons were still made entirely of steel, the second generation now uses a hybrid design comprising a steel top section and a concrete bottom section.
Innovative pylon concept
A total of 473 compact pylons will cover a 80 km corridor, split up into a north-west link (Eemshaven-Vierverlaten) and a south-west link (Borssele-Rilland). Thanks to their compact, enclosed design the ‘Wintrack II’ pylons have a particularly slender look, because even at heights of to 75 metres, their base diameter is just two to four metres. Compared with conventional pylon systems this reduces the necessary corridor width considerably as well as the effects on protective goods: human beings, animals and environment. The slender design means the poles can be integrated harmoniously into the landscape and with minimal intervention into the natural environment. Above all, compact power lines can be installed further away from residential areas and sensitive regions. Consequently, the power line corridors have much less of an impact on the regions in which they are located, so residents are more willing to accept a necessary grid expansion. Another effect of the compact design is that electromagnetic fields are reduced significantly.
Implementation phase
January 2018 should see the launch of production of the slim hybrid pylons at Europoles. Within the consortium with partner Heijmans, the European market leader for pylon systems will be responsible for project planning, manufacture and assembly of all compact pylons, while the Dutch building group will take charge of the pylon foundations and the access roads for the two overhead line corridors. With this project Europoles is setting a milestone for future environmentally friendly power lines in Europe and recommends the application for selected power line sections in Germany.
