The Ultranet HVDC project is a 2,000 MW onshore transmission line in Germany, designed to carry renewable energy from the country’s wind-rich north to its industrial south. As part of Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition), Ultranet is a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed at balancing regional supply and demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Unlike subsea interconnectors, Ultranet is a land-based HVDC corridor, built largely using existing high-voltage infrastructure corridors to minimize land-use conflicts.
Project Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | ~340 km (onshore) |
| Capacity | 2,000 MW |
| Voltage | ±380 kV HVDC |
| Investment Size | ~€1 billion+ |
| Companies | Siemens Energy (ETR: ENR), TransnetBW (private) |
| Status (2025) | Under construction |
| Expected Completion | 2026–2027 |
Background
- Location: Runs from Osterath in North Rhine-Westphalia to Philippsburg in Baden-Württemberg.
- Ownership/Operation: Led by Amprion GmbH and TransnetBW GmbH, two of Germany’s transmission system operators.
- Purpose: Address Germany’s regional energy imbalance by transporting wind power from the north to heavy industrial demand centers in the south.
- Strategic significance: Core element of Germany’s SuedLink and SuedOstLink HVDC buildout, designed to enable coal and nuclear phase-outs.
Investor Angle
While Ultranet is owned by German TSOs, investors gain exposure via the listed supplier:
- Siemens Energy (ETR: ENR): Providing HVDC converter technology.
Why it matters for investors:
- Expands Siemens Energy’s German orderbook, reinforcing its position in the domestic HVDC buildout.
- Demonstrates Europe’s reliance on HVDC to integrate renewables, a trend that will drive long-term demand for suppliers.
- Though privately owned, Germany’s TSOs often rely on regulated cost recovery, ensuring stable project execution and low counterparty risk for suppliers.
FAQ
Q: What is the Ultranet HVDC project?
It is a 2,000 MW HVDC onshore line in Germany, designed to move renewable power from north to south.
Q: How long is Ultranet?
The line spans about 340 km.
Q: When will Ultranet be completed?
Completion is targeted for 2026–2027.
Q: Which companies are involved?
Siemens Energy (converter stations) and German TSOs Amprion and TransnetBW (project developers).
Q: Can investors gain exposure to Ultranet?
Not directly, since it is utility-owned, but indirectly via Siemens Energy (ETR: ENR), the key listed supplier.