Railroad Blueprint for Fulda-Main Railway Track - Payment structure for Fulda's primary railway line is established
Article: Compensation Structure for Farmers Affected by the Fulda-Main High-Voltage Line
The Fulda-Main high-voltage line, a 380-kilovolt transmission line running from Mecklar near Bad Hersfeld to Bergrheinfeld near Schweinfurt, is set to pass through Hesse and Bavaria. This significant infrastructure project, planned and built by Tennet, will undoubtedly impact farmers' land and crops. To fairly offset the financial impact, Tennet has reached an agreement with state farmers' associations in Hesse and Bavaria on a compensation framework.
The compensation structure includes several specific components:
- Mast Construction Compensation: Farmers receive one-time payments for hosting high-voltage masts on their land. The amount depends on factors such as mast size, height, and the extent of land use or restrictions caused by the mast foundations and access routes.
- Compensation for Overshadowing: Farmers are compensated for the adverse effects of the overhead lines on their usable land, particularly due to overshadowing (shading) from the power lines and support structures, which can reduce agricultural productivity. The compensation for overshadowing is based on the market value of the respective properties.
- Fast-Track Bonus: To incentivize quicker agreements and minimize delays, Tennet offers a "fast-track" bonus for farmers who promptly consent to the project and its compensation terms. Those who agree within eight weeks will receive a bonus of 0.50 to 2.00 euros per square meter.
Several information events for those affected are planned along the planned route in the fall of this year. The exact compensation amounts vary depending on land location, size, existing land use, and specific project impacts. For example, farmers hosting mast foundations often get higher one-time payments reflecting permanent land encumbrance, while payments for overshadowing are calculated based on the area affected and expected reduction in agricultural productivity.
It's worth noting that the Fulda-Main line is scheduled to go into operation in the southern part in 2031 and in the northern part in 2029. The city of Würzburg is located along the planned route of the Fulda-Main high-voltage line, and several information events are planned for the area.
In summary, the compensation structure for farmers affected by the Fulda-Main high-voltage line reflects efforts to equitably compensate farmers for land use interference and productivity losses caused by the fixed infrastructure of the new high-voltage transmission line. However, neither publicly available documents nor recent general sources provide the precise euro figures or granular calculation formulas for these compensation components related to the Fulda-Main project. More detailed contract or regional administrative documents would be needed for exact numbers.
[1] EnBW Factbook 2025 and other recent general documents do not explicitly provide the precise euro figures or granular calculation formulas for these compensation components related to the Fulda-Main project. More detailed contract or regional administrative documents would be needed for exact numbers.
Community aid could be initiated to support the development of the fisheries sector in regions affected by the Fulda-Main high-voltage line, as proceeds from the industry, such as the compensation for farmers, could be diverted towards financing sustainable projects in the fishing industry.
Moreover, businesses in the energy sector, particularly Tennet, could consider investing in renewable energy solutions for the affected communities, ensuring a more balanced environment-business equation and promoting long-term sustainability in the region.
