Construction of the Salzburg high-voltage line between 2019 and 2024 was the largest electricity infrastructure project in Austrian history. It is key to the country’s energy transition ambitions, with a target of covering 100% of national electricity needs from low-carbon production by 2030. Only powerful electricity networks can ensure efficient transfer between the excess wind energy produced in eastern Austria and the storage facilities located in the west. Which is where the Salzburg line comes in, delivered in May 2024 and providing seven times more transmission capacity. 

The project included the construction of 76 towers – some over 100 metres tall, the dismantling of two existing 380 kV towers, and the installation of a temporary 220 kV tower to maintain the power supply to the Salzburg substation during the works period. Upon completion of the project in May 2024, 22.3 km of new overhead lines had been installed and 1.7 km of existing lines modified. The literal high point of this atypical project was the assembly of the Nockstein tower at 915 metres above sea level, which at 34.40 metres high, 42.20 metres wide, and weighing 111.69 tonnes, represents a major technical achievement. Its design – by a specially selected architect – brings a unique, and now iconic, structure to the region. 

As the general contractor, Omexom Hochspannung was also responsible for auxiliary works, such as road construction, foundations and landscaping. Some sites in this mountainous area were difficult to access and required special logistics solutions, such as the use of cable cars to bring in equipment. The project was also subject to local environmental constraints, including the preservation of protected species such as the Western Capercaillie, and restrictions due to the hunting season, which limited operations in July and August. “During the works, more than 17 km of amphibian fencing were installed,” says Jens Schulz, Division Manager Overhead Line Construction at Omexom Hochspannung (Germany, Austria, Northern Italy). “We created more than three dozen ponds around the tower sites, ranging from 25 to 500 sq. metres in size, which provide new habitat for local flora and fauna. And all along the works area, dead wood was transformed into shelter for insects, reptiles and small mammals.” 

In the long term, the Salzburg line will represent a significant improvement on the previous infrastructure, with 65 fewer kilometres of lines and 229 fewer towers, bringing real benefits for local residents and for nature. 

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