Carinthia is preparing for a 380 kV line: Nature in focus!

Carinthia is preparing for a 380 kV line: Nature in focus!

The energy transition is in full swing and there are exciting developments happening in Carinthia. On September 26, 2025, representatives of the Austrian Power Grid (APG) and Kärnten Netz (KNG) informed about an important infrastructure project: closing the gap in the 380 kV line between East Tyrol and Carinthia. This project aims to ensure electricity supply for future generations and meet increasing energy needs. According to meinkreis.at, the existing infrastructure is under heavy strain and has already reached its capacity limits.

An important concern of those responsible for the project is to plan the new lines so that they are in harmony with nature. Various aspects such as geology, natural hazards, nature conservation and the consideration of biodiversity, such as birds and bats, play a central role. “We have a good hand when it comes to finding the right route,” said an APG spokesman. The entire region affected by the new management includes 58 municipalities in East Tyrol and Carinthia.

Route finding and challenges

As part of an excursion on September 9, 2025 in Griffen, the planned route of the line was presented to journalists. It became clear that the geological conditions and natural hazards such as rockfalls, landslides and avalanches represent key planning challenges. These risks are not only caused by the terrain, but are often also a consequence of climate change, as ilf.com informs. Assessing these hazards through extensive studies is crucial for the safety of the infrastructure during and after the construction phase.

The project not only includes new overhead lines for a direct connection between Lienz in East Tyrol and Obersielach in Carinthia, but also the expansion of the existing 110 kV network. In order to determine the planned rough route, which is 200 to 1,000 meters wide, comprehensive environmental impact assessments are necessary. These are expected to be completed by 2027, with the new line scheduled to be commissioned by 2033.

Economic aspects and future outlook

A not insignificant factor is the costs, which can increase due to exposed locations in mountainous areas. In total, the investment volume of this ambitious project amounts to around 9 billion euros, which will be of great benefit to the entire region and also to all of Austria. Given that the existing lines are already at high capacity, this project is more than just closing the gap - it is a step towards a climate-neutral future.

The responsible bodies have already informed the Carinthian state government, political parties and social partners about the status of the plans. The next stage involves a public presentation of the Grobtrasse in the coming months in order to give the population a transparent picture of the project and obtain their opinions.

For the population in East Tyrol and Carinthia, the successful completion of this project could mean that the electricity supply is not only guaranteed, but also sustainable. It will therefore be exciting to see how the plans develop and how well APG and KNG will find the balance between progress and nature. The challenge of creating a long-term, secure infrastructure with the new line without additional burdens on people and the environment is great.