From power lines to green spaces – how we’re boosting biodiversity across Europe
Through innovative ecological corridor management, we’re transforming the land beneath power lines into thriving ecosystems—enhancing biodiversity while ensuring energy reliability.
When you think of power lines, what comes to mind? Maybe towering metal structures crisscrossing fields and forests? Probably not nature thriving beneath them. But at E.ON, we’re reimagining that often-wasted space. Our ecological corridor management project (ECM) isn’t just about keeping power lines clear — we’re thinking outside the box, using innovative techniques to boost biodiversity and create thriving ecosystems along the way.
What exactly is ecological corridor management?
Using innovative ecological techniques, we manage the stretches of land running beneath power lines to promote biodiversity – all whilst ensuring energy security. Instead of clearing everything in sight, we only cut back fast-growing trees that could pose a risk to the grid, whilst allowing slow-growing and low tree and shrub species to grow. We’re even leaving deadwood in place to create micro-habitats for insects and small animals.
We’re not stopping at the ground level. To protect local wildlife, we’re also installing thousands of bird protection facilities across our power lines. These structures safeguard birds from potential hazards by providing safe perching points and nesting spaces.
Why? Because we want these spaces to become thriving ecosystems—think wildflowers, insects, small animals, and birds living in harmony right under our electricity infrastructure.
Why innovation lies at the heart of this project
Innovation is key to tackling the environmental challenges of our time – and our ecological corridor management project is just one example of how we’re using innovation to reshape the future. With more than 1.4 million kilometres of electricity grids across Europe, we’ve got a unique opportunity to combine energy infrastructure with biodiversity solutions.
We’re rolling out ecological corridor management across 13,000 kilometres of high-voltage lines in forested areas, committing millions to the effort. But it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about using new approaches to make a lasting impact.
From drone surveys to monitor vegetation growth, to AI-powered analytics that predict potential risks to the grid, we’re embracing technology to make ecological corridor management smarter and more effective. By doing this, we’re creating safer, greener spaces beneath our power lines without sacrificing energy reliability.
We’ve got teams working all over Europe, from Germany to Romania, where our field visits show the impact of ecological corridor management on the ground. It’s all part of our commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future. By incorporating technology and ecological principles, we’re transforming these corridors into vibrant ecosystems.
Looking ahead
By 2026, our aim is to expand ecological corridor management across Europe, using these innovative techniques to create healthier ecosystems and drive sustainability. It’s about blending technological advancements with ecological wisdom to deliver something truly groundbreaking.
So, the next time you spot a power line, think of it as more than just infrastructure—it’s a glimpse into a greener future, with innovation at its heart.