Relocation of underground cable to reinforce the electricity supply in the municipality of Glarus

15.01.2026. Axpo is renewing the existing cable between the Vorauen and Magazin Klöntal transformer stations in the municipality of Glarus (canton of Glarus). By laying a new electricity cable in Lake Klöntal – and in full compliance with strict environmental regulations – Axpo is ensuring the reliable long-term supply of electricity in the Klöntal valley. Construction work has begun in January 2026.

Details about the project:

• Axpo is replacing the existing 16 kilovolt line which is running under the cantonal road along the edge of Lake Klöntal due to its age.
• With this infrastructure project, Axpo is investing in a reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the Klöntal valley.
• Axpo is implementing the measures prescribed by the authorities to protect fauna and flora, and is working with local partners.

Axpo supplies electricity to the whole of north-east Switzerland with its above-ground and underground lines. The 16 kilovolt cable between the Vorauen and Magazin Klöntal transformer stations in the municipality of Glarus, which has been in place since the end of the 1950s, is being replaced due to its age, with a new one being laid in Lake Klöntal. Axpo has started construction work in January 2026. With this infrastructure project, Axpo is ensuring the reliable and sustainable long-term supply of electricity in the Lake Klöntal region.

Cable laying in Lake Klöntal

The 5 km section of the line that previously ran under the cantonal road will be laid in two ways in Lake Klöntal.

1. Around 2.7 kilometres of cable will be laid in a cable duct block in the lake, following the route of the former Pragelstrasse.
2. The remaining 2.3 kilometres will be lowered to the lake floor as an exposed submarine cable. In the transition areas between the block and the underwater installation, the cable conduits will be fed through flushing bores. This means the submarine cable will be concealed from the outside and protected regardless of the water level.

Laying the cable under the cantonal road itself is not possible, as the road would have to be closed for too long.

During the construction phase, the cantonal road will remain accessible to traffic, thus keeping disruption to a minimum.

Focus on environmental and species protection

The Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) has approved the project under strict conditions in cooperation with the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the canton of Glarus. Measures such as the creation of habitats for amphibians and the protection of flora and fauna during the work are an integral part of the project. An external environmental construction supervisor is monitoring compliance with the official requirements.

Axpo attaches great value to working with local partners. Site management was assigned regionally to ensure transparent communication with the municipality, the authorities and the fishing association.