Sinking the Grossgartach and Kochendorf shafts for underground routing
Südwestdeutsche Salzwerk AG
ARGE Schächte Heilbronn
Heilbronn, Germany
2024
until approx. 2027
At the end of 2023, the Heilbronn shafts consortium, consisting of REDPATH DEILMANN GmbH and Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH, was awarded the contract by Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG to plan and construct two shafts near Heilbronn. These shafts are necessary to safely lay the extra-high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission cables of the SuedLink line between the overground and underground routes.
Work began at the Großgartach shaft site in April 2024 with drilling work for precision cementation from above ground. In contrast, work at the Kochendorf shaft site did not begin until August 2024. At the same time, planning work is continuing steadily in order to drive construction forward efficiently.
The two shafts near Bad Friedrichshall and Leingarten are being sunk using conventional drilling and blasting methods. Both shafts will reach a depth of around 200 meters and will be fitted with a watertight composite lining. The final shaft diameter is five meters. The HVDC cables will be routed underground and then back above ground in the shafts. In addition, a semi-mobile access system will be installed for maintenance purposes. The aim is to ensure a safe and sustainable route for the SuedLink line.
The route is planned in such a way that it has as little impact on nature as possible. Strict environmental protection requirements will be adhered to and the land used will be fully recultivated once the project is completed.
The lining of the shafts requires the highest quality standards, especially for the watertight lining. The semi-mobile access system offers flexible access options for maintenance purposes.
The "SuedLink" high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines transport energy generated from wind power from the north to the south of Germany.
