After tunnelling for around 5.2 kilometres, the tunnel-boring machine reached the target shaft, thereby linking Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony beneath the River Elbe. The project is one of the key components of Germany’s energy infrastructure and will make an important contribution to a secure electricity supply in future.
Key project for the energy infrastructure
The ElbX Tunnel forms part of the SüdLink project, Germany’s largest electricity transmission scheme. From 2028, six high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables will run through the tunnel, transporting electricity generated from renewable sources from northern to southern Germany. This will fulfil a key prerequisite for the implementation of the energy transition and the expansion of an efficient energy infrastructure.
Integrated engineering services from iC
iC supported the project with a range of interdisciplinary services. These included planning permission, detailed design, infrastructure and structural engineering, geotechnical design and BIM-based 3D modelling. Close collaboration between the various specialist departments ensured the successful delivery of this complex infrastructure project.
Tunnelling is progressing faster than planned
Construction progress was positive: thanks to improved ground conditions over the final 400 metres, the tunnel breakthrough was achieved ahead of schedule. As a result, a peak tunnelling rate of up to 32.6 metres per day was achieved over the final metres.
The successful completion of this phase of construction marks another important step towards a sustainable and future-proof energy supply in Germany.
