Jan 6, 2026
Germany approves a record 2,000 km of high-voltage grid expansions for 2025.
Germany’s grid authority (BNetzA) granted permits for around 2,000 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines last year, marking the highest figure to date. Klaus Müller, the head of the agency, announced a "record year for grid permits." Compared to 1,280 kilometres in 2024, permit approvals surged by 45 percent in 2025, according to a press release from the authority.
Significant investment is needed for Germany’s electricity grid to integrate an increasing capacity of renewable energy and support the growing electrification of the economy, spurred by heat pumps, electric vehicles, batteries, and other technologies related to the energy transition. However, the expansion of the grid has fallen behind schedule, raising concerns about its impact on electricity prices and the pace of renewable energy development.
BNetzA finalized approvals for several crucial high-voltage direct current lines that will link industrial hubs in southern Germany with wind power sources in the northern coastal areas. These north-south powerlines, known as A-Nord, Ultranet, SuedLink, and SuedOstLink, are commonly referred to as “electricity highways.”
Müller emphasized the need for grid expansion to ensure a successful energy transition, noting that the record number of permits serves as "visible proof that the acceleration of recent years is yielding real outcomes." The previous government prioritized hastening the previously delayed grid extension by reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
Germany aims to extend its transmission grid by a total of 16,800 kilometres, with approximately 3,500 kilometres completed by June 2025. The agency stated, "This is necessary to guarantee a secure and reliable supply even after transitioning to renewable energy." BNetzA oversees the review of about 9,600 kilometres, with roughly 4,700 kilometres receiving permits so far. The remaining 7,200 kilometres are managed by individual states.
The existing transmission grid in Germany spans approximately 39,000 kilometres, while the overall distribution grid, covering all voltage levels, totals around 1.8 million kilometres, as reported by public broadcaster ARD.
Significant investment is needed for Germany’s electricity grid to integrate an increasing capacity of renewable energy and support the growing electrification of the economy, spurred by heat pumps, electric vehicles, batteries, and other technologies related to the energy transition. However, the expansion of the grid has fallen behind schedule, raising concerns about its impact on electricity prices and the pace of renewable energy development.
BNetzA finalized approvals for several crucial high-voltage direct current lines that will link industrial hubs in southern Germany with wind power sources in the northern coastal areas. These north-south powerlines, known as A-Nord, Ultranet, SuedLink, and SuedOstLink, are commonly referred to as “electricity highways.”
Müller emphasized the need for grid expansion to ensure a successful energy transition, noting that the record number of permits serves as "visible proof that the acceleration of recent years is yielding real outcomes." The previous government prioritized hastening the previously delayed grid extension by reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
Germany aims to extend its transmission grid by a total of 16,800 kilometres, with approximately 3,500 kilometres completed by June 2025. The agency stated, "This is necessary to guarantee a secure and reliable supply even after transitioning to renewable energy." BNetzA oversees the review of about 9,600 kilometres, with roughly 4,700 kilometres receiving permits so far. The remaining 7,200 kilometres are managed by individual states.
The existing transmission grid in Germany spans approximately 39,000 kilometres, while the overall distribution grid, covering all voltage levels, totals around 1.8 million kilometres, as reported by public broadcaster ARD.