Dispute over the new substation in Stötteritz: Where should it go?

Dispute over the new substation in Stötteritz: Where should it go?

In Leipzig, the expansion of the electricity infrastructure is becoming increasingly urgent as the demand for electric vehicles, air conditioning systems and heat pumps increases as part of the energy transition. This requires the construction of new substations, even in densely built-up residential areas. The planned substation in Stötteritz on the premises of ATV 1845 e.V. is currently causing conflicts. As the Leipziger Internet Zeitung reports, there is no alternative location, which leads to a critical discussion among those responsible and residents.

The city planning office has been working on finding a suitable location since 2023 and has examined ten locations. Ultimately, the analysis showed that the terrain on the ATV was classified as the most suitable. Other proposed locations, such as the garage courtyards on Schlesierstrasse and Holzhäuser Strasse, were not considered ideal for a variety of reasons, including full rental.

Conflicts in planning

The Leipzig Southeast City District Advisory Board was critical of the situation and felt caught off guard because the planning was progressing without comprehensive information. An application from the advisory board calls for the search for other locations in order not to lose the natural grass field, which is important for both sports and as a microclimate. Advisory board members firmly reject the development of the field and instead bring alternative locations into play.

The costs for building the substation amount to around 32 million euros. The city planning office nevertheless makes it clear that the area at the ATV is the only option that is close to the center of the load and points to the necessity of the substation for the energy transition, even if there would be an additional sealing of around 1,600 square meters. To compensate for the loss of sports space, a neighboring playing field could be converted into an artificial turf field.

A letter of intent and future steps

The sports club ATV 1845 e.V. has signaled that it is prepared to release the area from the lease early. In February 2025, a letter of intent was signed between the club, the city of Leipzig and Netz Leipzig GmbH. On August 19th, the city district advisory board will again deal with the city planning office's statement and discuss the next steps in the planning.

In view of the challenges in urban infrastructure, the aim is to improve transparency about the status of the expansion targets for renewable energies. According to Smart City Dialog, the implementation of an energy transition dashboard is an essential step in supporting the city of Leipzig in controlling and monitoring sustainable energy concepts. The dashboard, which is being developed in partnership with various municipalities, is intended to optimize the data situation for more efficient planning and implementation.

Overall, Leipzig is faced with the urgent task of both meeting the requirements of the energy transition and taking the interests of its citizens into account. The exciting development surrounding the substation in Stötteritz could make a significant contribution to shaping a sustainable energy future.