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…