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nature compensation measures and electricity grid expansion

Project title: Investigations into the potential of area and measure pools for the impact regulation under nature conservation law in the expansion of the electricity grid

Focus

  • specifications for compensation measures with regard to overhead line and underground cable projects
  • ecological route management (ÖTM) in grid expansion
  • recommendations for the set up of area and measure pools

Contact

Bosch und Partner GmbH
Kirchhofstr. 2c, D-44623 Herne
Klaus Mueller-Pfannenstiel
Tel: 0049 2323/946 29-14
k.mueller-pfannenstiel(at)avoid-unrequested-mailsboschpartner.de

Funding

FKZ 3520 86 1200
Departmental research plan 2020
Term: 01.12.2020–30.04.2023

The transformation of the German energy supply system towards renewable energies requires extensive power grid expansion. In order to meet the requirements of nature conservation impact regulations, the pooling of areas and the sytematisation of (compensation) measures have proven their worth. In this way, compensation requirements can be bundled into nature conservation measures. The R&D project is to investigate and present the opportunities of area and measure pools and eco-accounts.

The aim of the R&D project is to systematically investigate and present the opportunities of area and measure pools or eco-accounts with regard to grid expansion. This should also contribute to the successful implementation of the Federal Compensation Ordinance (BKompV), which came into force in 2020. One focus is therefore on the multifunctionality and multi-instrumentality of compensation measures in order to counteract the limited availability of land, also with regard to any CEF measures (continuous ecological functionality-measures) or coherence assurance measures that may be required, the compensation of legally protected biotopes and the retention and forest compensation. To this end, the existing legal and technical requirements, particularly with regard to overhead and underground cable projects, are to be concretised and innovatively further developed.

One focus is on grid expansion. Among other things, the role that ecological route management can play in the course of compensation will be examined and the extent to which power line routes themselves offer a reservoir of land for compensation and replacement measures. Aspects to be considered in the context of measures management include securing land and ensuring long-term maintenance.

As a result, the research project is to formulate action-oriented and practical recommendations for the positioning of area and measure pools against the background of the technical and legal requirements for compensation measures as well as for compensation area management in the course of grid expansion. The addressees are the operators of area and measure pools as well as the electricity grid operators.

Procedure

In the first step, the boundary conditions for the operation of area pools or eco-accounts in general, as well as the special circumstances under which their operation takes place under power lines or over underground cables, are determined. This includes the technical quality of the measures, the implementation dimension, the organisational form of their sponsors and the special ownership conditions for power lines. The requirements of the Federal Compensation Ordinance must also be taken into account.

In a second step, the possibilities and challenges for providers of land pools or eco-accounts with regard to the offer of multifunctional or multi-instrumental compensation measures (CEF or coherence assurance measures, legal biotope protection, retention compensation, forest compensation) are discussed. The need for compensation, especially against the background of the Federal Compensation Ordinance, will also be compared with the measures that are feasible under the conditions of overhead or underground cable routes. Furthermore, positive practical examples of pool concepts are to be researched and systematised.

The result of the third step is to support grid operators and providers of land pools or eco-accounts in establishing land and measure pools. The use of land pools or eco-accounts on power lines and off them is addressed, among other things, with regard to the Federal Compensation Ordinance. Furthermore, types of measures that can be implemented under overhead powerlines or over underground cables are presented in a concrete and differentiated manner.

Project partners

Project partners

Projecmanagement
Bosch und Partner GmbH
Kirchhofstr. 2c, D-44623 Herne
Klaus Mueller-Pfannenstiel
Tel: 0049 2323/946 29-14
k.mueller-pfannenstiel(at)avoid-unrequested-mailsboschpartner.de

Project partners
Rechtsanwaelte Fuesser & Kollegen
Martin-Luther-Ring 12, D-04109 Leipzig
Dr Marcus Lau
Tel: 0049 341/70 22 80
lau(at)avoid-unrequested-mailsfuesser.de

Funding
Federal Agency for Nature Conservation BfN
FG II 4.2 Impact Assessment Instruments for Nature Conservation and Infrastructure Projects
Alte Messe 6, D-04103 Leipzig
Dr Klaus Follner
Klaus.Follner(at)avoid-unrequested-mailsBfN.de

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