Berlin's first electric highway now fully functional
Berlin's Kabeldiagonale Power Tunnel Set to Go Online in 2027
Berlin's much-anticipated Kabeldiagonale Berlin power tunnel is scheduled to become operational in 2027. The infrastructure project, a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly Berlin, aims to upgrade and secure the city's electricity supply by importing energy from renewable sources like wind turbines, solar power, and biomass.
The administrative reform, which clarified responsibilities between the Senate and the districts, was implemented on January 1, 2026, and is considered a successful step in this direction. The ruling mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, from the CDU party, has been a strong advocate for this project.
The transmission network operator, "50Hertz", estimates the costs for the new power highways and two new transformer stations to be between two to three billion euros. Stefan Kapferer, CEO of "50Hertz", urges politics to continue supporting the necessary expansion of the power infrastructure decisively, emphasising the need for clear framework conditions and accelerated procedures.
The first tunnel section of the energy transition project "Kabeldiagonale Berlin" has already been completed. The 6.7-kilometer-long tunnel, which runs 20 to 30 meters deep underground, has a diameter of three meters and was assembled from over 5,500 concrete rings. The tunnel boring machine, which carved its way through Berlin's underground, is yet to be completely removed, and the lines are still being laid and technology installed.
Berlin is approaching its capacity limits, and a large portion of the future power needed in the city for heat, mobility, data centers, and industrial use will have to be sourced from outside the city. The city's energy demand is projected to significantly increase in the coming years, nearly doubling.
Mayor Wegner reaffirms Berlin's commitment to being a pioneer in climate protection, aiming to be climate-neutral well before 2045. The Kabeldiagonale Berlin project, with its focus on renewable energy sources, is a key part of this ambition.
While the exact completion timeline for the Kabeldiagonale Berlin project should be confirmed from Berlin's local authorities or the project operator for the most up-to-date status, typically, such infrastructure projects have multi-year timelines including planning, construction, and commissioning phases. Regarding environmental impacts, underground power tunnels like Kabeldiagonale Berlin generally have positive impacts such as reduced visual and noise pollution compared to overhead lines and increased grid reliability. However, during construction, there can be temporary disturbances that require mitigation. The specific environmental impact assessments for Kabeldiagonale Berlin analyze these factors in detail to minimize negative effects and comply with regulatory standards.
For the latest precise timeline and detailed environmental reports, consulting Berlin's energy providers or official project publications is recommended.
The Kabeldiagonale Berlin project, focusing on renewable energy sources, aligns with environmental-science efforts to combat climate change, adding to Berlin's ambition of being climate-neutral well before 2045. The rising demand for power in Berlin, particularly in areas such as technology and finance, necessitates the secure import of renewable energy from sources like wind turbines and solar power, which the project facilitates.
