In the heart of Baden-Württemberg, a major milestone for Germany’s Energiewende is taking shape. A new 380-kilovolt (kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation in Bühl, is planned to be commissioned by TransnetBW in 2026. It is replacing the aging 220 kV infrastructure and will significantly be boosting the region’s transmission capacity.
This state-of-the-art facility is a critical node in the Baden Rhine Energy Corridor, designed to ensure a stable and secure electricity supply for southwestern Germany and to strengthen cross-border grid connections. As Germany is heading new challenges through its energy transition / Energiewende, the Bühl substation plays a pivotal role in transmitting renewable energy—especially wind power from the north—to consumers in the south. The renewal of the Bühl substation is embedded in the major project NBR, which entails the replacement of an existing 220 kV with a new 380 kV powerline including the adjustment and construction of six substations in the Baden Rhine Energy Corridor.
Linxon, as a global Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) specialist in power infrastructure, was entrusted with the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the new substation. The project features Hitachi Energy’s ELK-3 GIS technology, known for its compact footprint and high reliability in confined spaces. This advanced system supports voltages up to 420 kV and is tailored for optimal layout and long-term performance.
“This has been a very interesting project, where we support the expansion of the Baden Rhine Energy Corridor and our client TransnetBW’s efforts to ensure the security of a stable electricity supply,”
Stefan Reisacher, CEO at Linxon
Beyond technical excellence, Linxon’s approach emphasized environmental integration: the main equipment is housed in a building that blends into the surrounding landscape, minimizing visual impact.
To mark the significance of this infrastructure milestone and foster transparency, TransnetBW hosted a public event at the Bühl substation, and Linxon was invited to present. The goal was to inform local stakeholders, residents, and media about the project’s role in the energy transition, its environmental considerations, and the benefits it brings to the region. The event also served to highlight the collaborative efforts between engineering partners, government authorities, and the community in shaping a sustainable energy future.
