Life cycle costs for extra high voltage cables and overhead lines

By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:49

Underground cables (UGCs) are – at installation – more expensive than overhead lines (OHLs), although it is very difficult to draw general cost ratios, due to the specificity of every project. In most cases comparisons are made solely on the capital costs of the equipment together with the costs of installation and accommodation works. In other cases, respective life costs are considered that take into account transmission losses, maintenance costs, availability (and associated outage related costs) and decommissioning.

Read full story

Environment impacts of extra high voltage cables and overhead lines

By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:35

For economic reasons, extra high voltage (“EHV”) underground cables (“UGCs”) are rarely appropriate for an entire new AC power transmission project (although in some long distance circumstances a DC cable may be a solution). UGCs are, however, especially effective at helping power transmission projects to cross areas where there are environmental sensitivities. These include areas that are:

Read full story

Underground Cables at Extra High Voltage Levels

By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:30

Europacable is the European Confederation of Associations of Manufacturers of Insulated Wires and Cables. Europacable, and its member companies in the European cable industry, have spent 30 years investing in innovative technology for underground cabling that overcomes the limitations of overhead lines in certain circumstances, and today, cable manufacturers are able to provide innovative and customised solutions for the modern power transmission industry.

Read full story

What are the Electro-Magnetic Fields from overhead lines and cables?

By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:27

As part of the European Union’s energy strategy, there is a commitment to reducing the social and environmental risks associated with the transmission of energy and in this respect cables can provide benefits as they have been shown to be more effective in mitigating potential health impacts.

Read full story

What are the requirements for linking an underground section to an overground section? How much land is required?

By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:24

The size of the transition/sealing end compound would depend to some extent on the number of cables, but if two circuits of three cables are used, the analogy is more like a “tennis court”; if four cables are used the analogy is more like a “football field”. If the transition compound is placed in a woodland area, it can be easily camouflaged from view. In Denmark, for example, the compounds had to be camouflaged through tree and shrub planting.

Read full story

What are the main differences in outages and repairs for underground power cables?

By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:19

Once installed in the ground, cables are intrinsically maintenance free. Since their introduction, EHV XLPE cables have had an excellent track record. It is only external influences that could damage the cable, and remote monitoring of the cable circuit allows the rapid location of the fault, so that a targeted intervention can be conducted. Remote monitoring of the cable circuit also means there is no specific need for a permanently staffed route surveillance team.

Read full story

What are the main benefits of underground cables?

By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:16

Aside from creating less visual and environmental impact, which typically generates large opposition from local communities, underground cables have several other unique benefits. In particular, they:

Read full story

By / Published on Thu, 1970-01-01 02:00

Read full story