Berlin's €78M Neukölln substation upgrade to power thousands by 2031
A major electrical substation in Berlin-Neukölln is set for a €78 million upgrade. The new facility, announced at a groundbreaking ceremony on March 26, will replace an ageing plant that has powered the district since the 1970s. Construction will begin while the existing site remains in operation, ensuring no disruption to local electricity supply.
The current substation on Karl-Marx-Straße has served the area for over five decades. Before that, the site housed a factory producing buses and trams, leaving behind old foundations that must now be removed. Soil investigations will take place before work starts on the new structure.
By the end of 2027, the structural shell of the replacement facility should be complete. The design includes a brick façade, green spaces, and a solar power installation, aligning with sustainability targets. A swale system will also be added to manage rainwater through natural infiltration. Dr. Stefan Rolauffs, Head of Grid Development at Stromnetz Berlin, stressed the project's importance in meeting Berlin's rising electricity demand. The new substation will eventually supply power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses when it goes online in late 2031. Around one-third of the existing complex will be kept and repurposed as part of the redevelopment. Jochen Biedermann, Neukölln's District Councilor for Urban Development, noted the strong cooperation between the local authority and Stromnetz Berlin. Both parties have worked closely on infrastructure planning for the area.
The project marks a significant investment in Berlin's energy network. Once operational in 2031, the upgraded substation will boost capacity for the city's growing needs. The blend of modern engineering and sustainable design reflects long-term planning for Neukölln's infrastructure.
