Siera Alliance

BalWin1 and BalWin2 – Soil-Scientific Construction Supervision as Part of Preparatory Measures

Blog post

Amprion GmbH operates one of the longest high-voltage transmission networks in Germany. Amprion Offshore GmbH is specifically responsible for the construction, operation, and grid connection of offshore activities. An overview of the overall grid connection concept is provided by Amprion at:
👉 https://offshore.amprion.net/Allgemein/Konzept/

After wind-generated electricity produced at sea is transported to the mainland via subsea cables, it is converted into alternating current at a converter station so that it can be fed into the 380 kV transmission grid. To transport the electricity through the transmission and distribution network to consumption centers, an expansion of onshore routes is required. This expansion is predominantly carried out using underground cable construction methods.

BalWin1 and BalWin2 are two grid connection systems that feed electricity from the North Sea into the German transmission grid. Further technical background information on BalWin1 and BalWin2 is provided by Amprion here:
👉 https://offshore.amprion.net/Projekte/BalWin1-BalWin2/

Commissioning of the systems is planned for 2030 and 2031. Preparatory measures are already underway to ensure smooth construction processes during the later construction phase.

Preparatory Measures with Relevance to Soil Protection

The preparatory measures include, in particular:

Ordnance Investigation and Clearance

  • Surface detection using smaller equipment
  • Borehole detection and excavation of confirmed suspect locations using larger construction machinery

Archaeological Investigations

  • Assessment of potential soil and archaeological monuments
  • Extensive interventions and excavation work

These activities are accompanied by soil-scientific supervision in line with the principles of preventive soil protection.

Role of Taberg Ingenieure GmbH – Member of the SIERA Alliance

Taberg Ingenieure GmbH – member of the SIERA Alliance – has been commissioned by Amprion Offshore GmbH to provide soil-scientific construction supervision (BBB) for planning approval sections 3, 4, and 5, covering a route length of approximately 61 km.

In addition to the preparatory measures, Taberg will also provide soil-scientific supervision during the subsequent construction phase. The soil-related tasks are carried out in close cooperation with Mull und Partner Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH Nord (OsnabrĂĽck office). This collaboration ensures continuous, professional support with sufficient personnel capacity and on-site presence.

Tasks of Soil-Scientific Construction Supervision (BBB)

The scope of services provided by the BBB includes, among others:

1. Site Inspections and Documentation

Before the start of measures, the relevant site and soil characteristics are documented and assessed.

2. Assessment of Soil Moisture

Soil moisture is a key factor for soil-protective implementation. The BBB assesses:

  • Trafficability of soils
  • Workability in accordance with DIN 19639

The results are continuously communicated to all project stakeholders.

3. Supervision During Execution

  • Regular monitoring of construction activities
  • Discussion of current topics during weekly construction meetings

4. Final Assessment

After completion of the measures:

  • Determination of the soil condition
  • Survey of any unavoidable land or crop damage (e.g. affected areas with cultivated crops)

Outlook on the Construction Phase

Earthworks for the installation of the cable protection conduit system are scheduled to begin at the end of 2026 and will also be accompanied by soil-scientific supervision by Taberg Ingenieure GmbH – member of the SIERA Alliance.

Would you like to learn more about soil-scientific construction supervision or the services offered by Taberg Ingenieure GmbH – member of the SIERA Alliance?
Contact us – together we shape Engineering for a Better Tomorrow.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Other Blogs

JOIN OUR FREE WEBINARS FOR VALUABLE INSIGHTS FROM OUR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERS

A Message from the Founder: Florian von Tucher

In the mid-2000s my involvement in development aid took me to some of the most remote and impoverished regions of the world. 

Northern Tibet, Mongolia, and Western China – where I was involved with the implementation of decentralised wastewater treatment systems, I realised I needed a deeper purpose. Though I later found success in real estate development, the desire to make a lasting impact never left me.  

A pivotal moment occurred when I was invited to Ghana by my friend and mentor, Cardinal Peter Turkson, who was the head of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development of the Catholic Church at the time. He has since been appointed the Pontifical Chancellor of the Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Chancellor of Social Sciences.  

Cardinal Turkson had a profound influence on me. His invitation gave me the opportunity to witness firsthand the development needs of the country. We reflected on my experiences in China, and together, we envisioned a model of development that would take root in one community and gradually expand. We believed that small, strategic steps could lead to lasting transformation – just like the biblical parable of the mustard seed, which grows into something far greater than its humble beginnings. 

Cardinal Turkson’s steadfast belief in this vision and encouragement became the base upon which the Mustard Seed Foundation was built. His unwavering support, wisdom, and guidance helped shape not just the mission of the Foundation, but my personal journey as well. 

With the encouragement of the Cardinal and the Integral Human Development (IHD) office, we initially operated with the IHD before establishing the Mustard Seed Foundation as a stand-alone organisation in Germany. We have been fortunate to receive support from numerous European donors, a humble reminder that our mission is not just about individual efforts – it is about collective impact. 

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of our work. We have partnered with organisations like Caritas and Rotary International to extend our reach. One of our most impactful collaborations has been with M&P Group, who donate their engineering concepts, project supervision, and high-quality technical execution, allowing 100% of donor contributions to go into the projects themselves. 

One such initiative is the Clean Water Initiative, launched in partnership with M&P Group. In 2024, we completed a well in Ndoss, Senegal, significantly improving agricultural efficiency and empowering the local community. This project epitomises our commitment to sustainable solutions – starting with clean water and gradually building infrastructure that supports long-term development. 

Our work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian aid. Our model is simple but effective: start with one project and expand, year by year, to create an ecosystem of support. A water well leads to a school, which leads to renewable energy solutions, which, in turn, fosters economic opportunities. Over time, these efforts cumulatively transform entire regions. 

The Mustard Seed Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved with nothing more than a vision, a strong commitment, and the faith of a mustard seed. Yet, none of this would have been possible without the belief and encouragement of Cardinal Peter Turkson. His unwavering faith in our mission gave me the courage to persevere through challenges and continue expanding our impact. As we continue our work, we remain driven by the belief that small beginnings can yield great outcomes, inspiring hope and lasting change in the communities we serve. His legacy of faith, vision, and commitment to human dignity is deeply woven into every initiative we undertake.