Helicopter to be used in the Peenetal nature preserve

EQOS Energie undertakes partial dismantling of the 220 kV overhead line on behalf of 50Hertz

EQOS Energie is dismantling 68 masts for the 220 kV Lubmin-Janow overhead line on behalf of 50Hertz. A particular challenge in this regard is that masts 86 to 89 are in the “Peenatal Fluvial Landscape” in Germany. This area is a specially protected preserve for nature and birds as well flora and fauna. So the mast parts may only be transported with the help of a helicopter crane. Some sites are also only accessible via water. “Working in very sensitive areas such as the nature preserve involves particularly high demands in terms of safety and environmental protection”, explained Carsten Sommer, Overhead Lines Division Manager for EQOS Energie.

Elaborate preparations were made to ensure the transport by helicopter runs smoothly. The tools, materials and safety equipment were also brought to the sites, and the masts were prepared for quick removal. Overall, two or three flights will be needed in order to remove all the dismantled parts from the nature preserve.

In some cases, the technicians and work equipment can only be transported to the site over water by boats. Large sections of the approach paths to the mast sites also pass through dense undergrowth and swampy areas. Occupational safety and environmental protection are the highest priority. In order to ensure safe access for the fitters, some plants were cut back after approval by the authorities. A bridge made of untreated wood also had to be constructed over an existing trench. Because the foundation of one of the masts can be dismantled only with the help of an excavator, a 400 metre track will be constructed from metal plates according to 50Hertz’s specifications. The use of these bolted metal plates allows the intervention in the soil structure to be reduced to a minimum, and the soil in these areas will also be compacted very little.

In the preparation phase of the project, EQOS Energie together with 50Hertz and the nature preserve management tested different versions in order to avoid unnecessary interventions in the plant and animal habitats and meet the demanding requirements of the nature preserve. The final version was also able to ensure a safe working environment for the fitters. In addition to training regarding relevant safety issues, every employee also completed a special briefing that discussed the special circumstances and environmental protection. EQOS Energie developed tailored measures for the individual sites for possible access to the masts. “The standards for HSEQ, which stands for Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, are anchored in an integrated management system, which has been tested and certified by TÜV Süd”, said Carsten Gärtner, CEO of EQOS Energie Deutschland. “Coupled with our extensive expertise in dealing with overhead lines in complex areas, we are ideally positioned for this project”.