First came the planning – now construction is underway: underground cable lines in Bavaria
SuedOstLink is a key component of the expansion of Germany’s extra-high-voltage grid. It will connect the ISAR grid interconnection point with Klein Rogahn in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over a distance of several hundred kilometres. Construction has been underway in Bavaria, within TenneT’s network area, since 2023. What was previously confined to plans for many years is now visible on the ground: construction sites are taking shape, machinery is arriving, and protective conduits and cables are being laid. For local authorities, property owners and residents, these activities are becoming visible, and this is increasing the need for information amongst these groups. The project is large-scale, complex and affects a wide range of interests. Transparency, reliability and a direct line of communication with the region are crucial to preventing misunderstandings and maintaining the trust that has been built up over many years of work.
Construction communication – accessible, welcoming and ongoing
Until the planning approval decision was made, communication was closely tied to the formal approval process; now, new developments are taking place on the construction site every day. For each phase of construction, we develop tailor-made information and engagement initiatives – local, specific and proactive. Together with our long-standing partners at navos, we provide strategic and operational support to TenneT’s Head of Communications, keep a close eye on issues at an early stage and create accessible points of contact for all stakeholder groups: from information events and press briefings, letters and digital tools such as the Munipolis Construction App, right through to site visits. Our aim: to keep local people informed at all times, engage with them on an equal footing and provide comprehensive support throughout the construction process.
From an abstract energy transition project to a construction project that local people can accept
Continuous, transparent communication throughout the various project phases – from planning through to planning permission and construction – has helped to build trust and acceptance amongst many local people. Where there used to be a great deal of scepticism, there is now a palpable sense of widespread acceptance. Property owners, local authorities and residents know what is happening, why it is happening and who to contact. The highlight of the communication efforts to date was the ceremonial ground-breaking in December 2023, attended by over 200 guests from the worlds of politics, business and the media. We supported the event from the initial idea through to its implementation – from conceptual development and organisational planning right through to on-site execution. Working closely with the project team, we created a launch event that marked the start of the construction phase, clearly conveyed key messages and brought the project to the public’s attention. SuedOstLink is becoming more visible step by step – and the communication efforts are helping to transform an abstract energy transition project into a comprehensible and accepted local construction project.
“As soon as construction begins, the project becomes a very real part of people’s everyday lives. For us, therefore, communication on a building site means: being present, listening, explaining – and remaining available even when things get noisy on site.”
Magdalena Klemm
+49-911-530 63-116
mkl@kaltwasser.de
https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-klemm
