Jacobs has been appointed separately by transmission system operators TenneT and TransnetBW to support the planned SuedLink program which will deliver new underground cable connection to transport wind power from northern Germany to Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. SuedLink will help to better integrate renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, into Germany's electricity grid, and it will link with interconnectors to provide cross-border energy resilience.
The 700-kilometer underground cable line is being planned and built by the transmission system operators TenneT and TransnetBW, with an investment of approximately US$11 billion. TenneT is responsible for the northern section of the cable connection, TransnetBW for its southern part. Jacobs will provide an integrated delivery partner approach to program and contract management, planning and approvals, stakeholder engagement, logistics, technical and other services on behalf of TenneT and TransnetBW, respectively. SuedLink is the first major project in Germany to use a central service provider contract approach.
Beginning October 2019, TenneT, TransnetBW and Jacobs will be working together at the new SuedLink project site in Würzburg, starting with approximately 130 employees, with plans to grow to 250 as the project progresses. Additional project offices will be added in Germany; this local engagement will be vital as the project progresses its stakeholder communications, planning and other activities in the region.
