Conclusion of three framework agreements between GICON and 50Hertz

Energy system transformation and environmentally compatible grid expansion with high priority

The two long-standing partners 50Hertz and GICON® have agreed on a further long-term cooperation. The Berlin-based transmission system operator and the Dresden-based engineering services provider have signed a total of three framework agreements covering environmental and approval planning services for the forthcoming expansion of the nationwide electricity grids in Germany in accordance with high quality standards and in compliance with all environmental laws. The contracts have a term of five years and include environmental planning services for major projects in the years 2019 - 2024, environmental planning services for small projects (2020 - 2025) as well as permitting management for substations/converters and specialist project management for nature conservation (2021 - 2025). The contract can be extended by 50Hertz three times for one year at a time.

Mutual trust for long-term cooperation

GICON® Managing Director Dr. Annett Schröter is thankful for the trust and the good cooperation: "The successfully completed projects over the past four years or so confirm our decision to enter into a long-term cooperation. Both partners know what they have in common. Our strengths are project management and expertise in accompanying the approval procedures. In addition, our engineers have extensive knowledge of nature conservation issues. The aim of 50Hertz is to deliver energy to where it is needed, while continuing to develop the existing extra-high voltage grid. We bring both together, because grid expansion is one of the central pillars for the success of the energy transformation. Dr. Schröter explains that the implementation of the network expansion in an environmentally compatible and sustainable manner is in line with the values that the GICON® Group stands for.

In the framework agreements, GICON® is involved at various planning levels:

• in the search for spatially- and environmentally-compatible routes (as part the regional planning procedure or in federal sectoral planning, for example)
• for the approval of such a route (in the planning approval procedure)
• for maintenance or smaller expansion measures (e.g. mast replacement in existing lines)
• during the construction measures themselves (environmental construction supervision / ecological construction supervision)

Possible services include the preparation of spatial impact studies, environmental impact assessments, landscape conservation plans including the definition of compensation and replacement measures and species protection contributions. In addition, Natura 2000 assessments and the specific planning of compensatory and replacement measures are also carried out.