Fast Tracking Power Grids: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Overhead Lines over Underground Cables
Upgrading Underground Cables to Overhead Power Lines: Examining the Potential Implications - Utilizing wireless power transmission instead of ground cables for electricity.
In Germany's power grid expansion, going for overhead lines instead of underground cables could lead to significant savings and benefits for consumers. According to Tim Meyerjürgens, CEO of Tennet, up to 20 billion euros could be saved on the next three major planned projects - OstWestLink, NordWestLink, and SudWestLink - if they opt for overhead lines.
"Every opportunity should be used to relieve industry, commerce, and private households," Meyerjürgens explained. Network charges, which are also paid by consumers, help fund the expansion of the network. A spokesperson for the Federal Network Agency concurred, stating that overhead lines have "undeniable cost advantages."
However, a shift to overhead lines might lead to delays in project planning, as these were previously planned as underground cables. The power grid operator, Amprion, was cautious about this change, highlighting concerns about the need for careful evaluation and the potential increase in costs from "redispatch" – compensation measures for bottlenecks in the power grid.
In the coalition agreement, it's suggested that future high-voltage direct current transmission networks (HVDC) should be implemented as overhead lines "where possible." By mid-2025, a monitoring process will review electricity demand, network expansion status, and the expansion of renewable energies to inform decisions about future HVDC lines and their implementation.
The choice between overhead lines and underground cables comes with its own merits and demerits. Overhead lines offer lower installation and maintenance costs, quicker repairs, and greater thermal capacity and flexibility. However, they are more vulnerable to weather-related damage and pose potential risks for wildlife and the public, especially in densely populated areas.
Underground cables, on the other hand, have minimal visual and environmental impact, are less susceptible to severe weather, require less right-of-way, and offer better protection in sensitive regions. Their key drawbacks involve higher installation and maintenance costs, challenging fault detection and repair, and limitations in thermal capacity and lengths for AC transmission.
For the OstWestLink, NordWestLink, and SuedWestLink projects, the decision will balance the cost, technical feasibility, public acceptance, and long-term reliability factors carefully. With the potential monetary savings and consumer benefit at stake, a reassessment of earlier decisions regarding the use of underground cables might be warranted.
Sports events within the community can serve as opportunities for community aid, as they provide a platform for organizing fundraisers or volunteer work. For instance, a local soccer tournament could raise funds for a community center, while a marathon could encourage participants to collect donations for a local charity.
On the other hand, Poor weather conditions during sports events can lead tocancelations or postponements, affecting both the participation and the potential for community aid. It's important for organizers to consider weather forecasts and have contingency plans in place to ensure the success of these events and their positive impact on the community.
