Highlights

Main Information

The transmission system operator Amprion is building a new 380kV power line in the west of Germany (Wehrendorf to Gütersloh) to accommodate new power generation structures in Germany where wind power from the north often has to be routed to the energy-intensive southern and western regions. Because it was originally intended as an overhead line, Amprion’s decision to build part of the line underground led to a new planning process.

Amprion decided to use this opportunity to also restart the planning dialogue with the citizens of Borgholzhausen, which had become deadlocked in the previous process. The new and more inclusive dialogue included two public info markets and six committee sessions with the involvement of all stakeholders and several citizens drawn by lots. The dialogue was set up from the earliest stage of planning to allow for input on the underground cabling route as well as the location for the cable connection stations. Through this, Amprion could not only generate public support but also benefit from the diverse know-how with regard to property and environmental issues, soil conditions and specific local challenges.

After the first phase of the dialogue, three quarters of the participants perceived the planning dialogue as a sincere participation opportunity. The proportion of sceptical participants dropped from 43 per cent at the beginning of the process to 25 per cent at the end of the first phase. The fresh start allowed the project management to break up old conflicts and establish a trustful communication. The committee successfully decided on a cabling route which is now being developed by Amprion as the preferred route alternative.

Amprion is a transmission system operator in the southwest of Germany. They teamed up with the German Institute for Urban Studies (DIFU) who was responsible for monitoring and analysing the dialogue.