The study compares the whole life costs of installing new high voltage transmission lines under the ground, under the sea and over ground. It finds that the lifetime cost estimates for overhead lines are between £2.2m and £4.2m per kilometre.
For underground cable, lifetime cost is between £10.2m and £24.1m per kilometre.
The study into the costs of burying power lines has been published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). It was commissioned by the government to provide an authoritative and independent point of reference for the Infrastructure Planning Commission in evaluating planning applications for new transmission connections and reinforcements.
The study was carried out by engineering consultancy Parsons Brinckerhoff in association with Cable Consulting International, drawing on data from manufacturers, installers, operators and others. National Grid has funded the work, and the IET has provided independent quality assurance.
Energy minister Charles Hendry said: "Over the coming years major transmission reinforcements will be needed to connect Britain’s new power stations. I know that many people are concerned about the impact that new transmission lines can have on the landscape and on local communities. It is essential that these reinforcements are taken forward on the basis of the best available evidence. While the costs of individual proposals will differ on a case by case basis, the IET’s report is a vital contribution."
Main findings are:
- the cost of new power infrastructure varies considerably but installing new power circuits underground is always more expensive than installing overhead lines
- the study also identifies factors that have an impact on costs - such as terrain, distances and energy loss
- the study’s remit purely relates to engineering costs, although it does acknowledge the aesthetic, human and environmental impacts, it makes no analysis of these.
The study can be obtained from the IET website.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
