Live cycle assessment of 110 kV power lines equipment

Considering the transition to renewable electricity production and increasing application areas for electricity (mobility, heating, AI) the sustainable design of electricity distribution infrastructure is of vital importance. A robust environmental analysis that identifies key environmental and climate impact areas, critical impact hotspots, and potential mitigation measures is essential for planning power grid expansion projects in a targeted and effective way. The paper presents a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of different power line technologies in Switzerland. The study considered overhead lines and underground cables and analysed sensitivities regarding various layout options. The life cycle inventories were modelled in a parametrized and modular way on the level of infrastructure components (e.g., power poles, shafts), allowing for simple scaling and straightforward applicability to specific project characteristics. Based on environmental impacts and focusing on greenhouse gas emission profiles and related hotspots, the paper highlights possible levers and an assessment of respective impact mitigation potentials. Hence, the study provides a comprehensive tool kit for grid operators to optimize effectively the environmental sustainability of their infrastructure and thereby contributing to the achievement of corporate sustainability targets.