Power transmission overhaul in North Rhine-Westphalia: Partial Rhine disruption
Headline: Major Power Line Project "A-Nord" to Commence Under Rhine River Next Week
The Rhine River, one of Europe's most significant waterways, is set to witness a significant event next week as the power line "A-Nord" begins its underwater installation.
On August 14, 2025, at 6:00 AM, eight large pipes will be laid under the Rhine between Rees and Xanten. These pipes, dug into a four-meter deep trench in the riverbed, are part of the 300-kilometer-long power line "A-Nord".
The "A-Nord" line is a crucial part of Germany's large energy transmission expansion efforts, including projects like SuedOstLink. The project, slated for completion in 2027, is expected to have a multi-billion-euro cost, consistent with large-scale high-voltage power line constructions in Germany.
The power cables will be pulled through these pipes later. Once operational, the power line is expected to transport wind power from East Frisia's Emden to Meerbusch-Osterath.
While the construction may temporarily affect river traffic, specific detailed impacts on navigation between Rees and Xanten have not been explicitly reported. However, in the past months, protective pipes for power cables have already been laid on both sides of the Rhine by the company Amprion.
The dikes were temporarily opened for the protective pipe laying, and today, the empty pipes will be placed in the trench, which will then be filled back in. The Rhine will be navigable in one lane for ships due to the pipe laying.
Amprion estimates that the work will be completed by October. The power line "A-Nord" is expected to go into operation next year, contributing significantly to Germany's renewable energy goals.
For those seeking more precise cost figures and detailed navigation impact for this specific segment of the Rhine, it is recommended to consult dedicated project updates from the transmission system operators like TenneT or Bundesnetzagentur publications, which regularly update and monitor such projects.
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