UNIVERSITY OF DUHOK

COLLEGE OF SPATIAL PLANNING

SPATIAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT

2020-2021

Implementations of underground transmission

network; case study (Duhok governorate)

Prepared by: Gardenia Ghassan Yousif

Suprvised by: Dr. Jian Hassanpour
Contents

Chapter 1 introduction

1.1 The history of the electric power lines …………………………………………………………………………………….…3

1.2 Types of transmission lines.……………………………...………………………………………………………………………. 3
1.3 Overhead transmission lines…………….…………………………………………………………………………………………4
1.4 Underground transmission lines………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
1.5 Case study…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….…...5
1.6 Problem statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….6
1.7 Research objectives…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………6
1.8 Research question………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………….….6
Chapter 2 literature review

2.1 instillation of underground transmission line………………………………………………………………………………7

2.2 Features of Underground Electric Power Transmission……………………………………………………………….7
2.3 Types of Underground Electric Transmission Cables……………………………………………………………………8
2.4 examples of implementation the underground transmission system in some countries/cities…….9
Chapter 3 methodology

3.1research methods………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
3.2 data types and resources………………………………….….…………………………………………………………………...11
3.3 data collection methods…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11
3.4 participants and sampling………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11
3.5 difficulties and limitation………………………….……………………………………………………………………………….12
Chapter 4 data analysis and results

4.1 the reasons of the cost of underground transmission power……………………….……………………………13

4.2 the benefit cost of underground transmission power……………………………………………….……………...13
4.3 the hazards of overhead transmission line in Duhok governorate………………………………………….….14
4.4 implementation of the underground transmission cables in Duhok governorate………………………17
4.5 plans for underground transmission system………………………………………………………………………………18
4.6 implications of most environmental concern…………………………………………………………………………….19
Chapter 5 recommendations and conclusion data

5.1 Recommendation No.1: master plan for underground transmission system………………………….….20

5.2 Recommendation No.2: underground technology for better outcome………………………………………20
5.3 Recommendation No.3: construction process and recurvation…………………………………….……………21
5.4 conclusion…….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....…...22
References

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List of figures
Figure 1: overhead and transmission lines. .................................................................................................. 1
Figure 2: overhead tower (BOC) properties.................................................................................................. 1
Figure 3: cable properties in overhead transmission system. ...................................................................... 1
Figure 4: The construction for each phase cable of underground transmission. ......................................... 1
Figure 5: cable properties. ............................................................................................................................ 1
Figure 6: case study map.............................................................................................................................. 1
Figure 7: HPFF/ HPGH TYPE CROSS SECTION AND THEIR INSTILATTION STANDARDS. ................................ 1
Figure 8:XLPE CABLE, AND ITS STANDARDS OF CONSTRUCTION. ................................................................ 1
Figure 9:safe underground transmission network (GIL). .............................................................................. 1
Figure 10: the near distance between two transmission towers in Duhok governorate (Zawita district .... 1
Figure 11: the overhead transmission system near to objectives in Duhok governorate ............................ 1
Figure 12: houses near to the overhead transmission power ...................................................................... 1
Figure 13: transmission tower near to street in Duhok governorate ........................................................... 1
Figure 14: underground transmission cables in the transmission plant of Sarsing town............................. 1
Figure 15: underground distribution system in the residential complexes of Duhok city ........................... 1
Figure 16: overhead distribution system in Duhok city ................................................................................ 1
Figure 17: suggestion for underground cables ............................................................................................. 1
Figure 18: the difference between overhead transmission lines& underground transmission lines . ........ 1
Figure 19: open construction. ....................................................................................................................... 1
Figure 20: closed construction. ..................................................................................................................... 1

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 The history of the electric power lines
Electric lighting systems were among the first uses of electricity to modern living in the 1880s. Electric
power stations supplied consumers in a narrow network that encompassed only a few cities blocks in those early
systems. Because of the physics of direct current networks, early power grids were limited by today's standards.
Also, for the safety DC networks required to run at low voltages and less distance. Nikola Tesla, an inventor,
altered the way energy is transmitted. Tesla collaborated with entrepreneur George Westinghouse to develop
long-distance power transmission. Their idea was to create a whole different type of electricity called alternating
current (AC). The advantage of the AC breakthrough was that it allowed electricity to be converted from low to
high voltage and back again. At the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, Westinghouse and Tesla saw a chance to
demonstrate that alternating current was the system of the future to a crowd of millions. They obtained the contract
to light the fair, they underbid General Electric (Edison's old business), and they put on a magnificent show. In
1893, Westinghouse Electric Corporation built a hydroelectric power station at Niagara Falls to test new AC
technology. The power station increased the voltage of the power generated at Niagara from 2,200 to 11,000 volts.
The new transformers allowed him to send power efficiently first to Buffalo, New York, and ultimately all the
way to New York City as more generators came online at the station. "Broadway was ablaze with lights" powered
from hundreds of miles away by the power station. Then, Samuel Insull who was worker in Edison`s company,
was a developer in long-distance power transmission. Insull transformed the electrical sector by constructing
bigger generators and transporting power over greater distances. Nonetheless, behind all this history is important
to mention that in his early distribution networks, Thomas Edison employed underground DC "street pipes" that
were insulated initially with jute in 1880, then with rubber in 1882 (institute for energy resource {IER}, 2014).

1.2 Types of transmission lines

Today the power system is a network that includes the generation, distribution, and transmission of electricity. It
consumes a form of energy (such as coal or diesel) and transforms it to electrical energy. Transmission system
transport electrical energy by lines across large distances (Circuit Globe, 2016). Transmission lines are classified
into two types: overhead transmission lines and underground
transmission lines. Overhead transmission lines are made out of
bare wires. These wires are installed at a height above the ground.
Supporting towers are used to ensure clearance between the
conductors and the ground. The height of the tower is determined
by the voltage of the transmission line. Moreover, underground
transmission lines are used to create insulation between a
conductor and a tower. The transmission voltage level rises as the
transmission voltage rises. As the voltage level increase, the Figure 1: overhead and transmission lines, source:
Circuit Globe, 2016.
thickness of insulation increases (RAVI, 2019).

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1.3 overhead transmission power
Resistance (R), Inductance (L), and Capacitance (C) are the three constants of
an overhead transmission line (C). These factors are distributed uniformly over
the length of the transmission line. The series impedance is made up of
resistance and inductance. Towers for line support are built of either grown or
laminated wood, steel or aluminum, concrete, and, on occasion, reinforced
polymers. The line's bare wire conductors are typically constructed of aluminum
(either plain or reinforced with steel or composite materials such as carbon and
glass fiber), while some copper wires are used in medium-voltage and low-
voltage applications (Gönen, 2014). In overhead the conductors, shield
perceptions, insulator strings and hardware, and suspension and dead-end
structures are the essential structural components of a transmission lines. The Figure 2: overhead tower (BOC) properties,
reaction of a line section to a cable rupture is determined by the source: McClure & Lapointe, 2003.

interplay of all of these components. Under typical operating

conditions, conductors are linked to suspension structures by
insulator strings that are vertical (McClure & Lapointe, 2003).

Figure 3: cable properties in overhead transmission

system, source: McClure & Lapointe, 2003.

1.4 underground transmission power

To define the minimum design requirements for
underground transmission mains used in
Endeavour Energy's 33kV, 66kV networks.
Figure 4 depicts the construction of each phase
cable. The cable is one meter below ground. Figure 4: The construction for each phase cable of
Individual phase cables are arranged horizontally and underground transmission, source: Nguyen & Chan, 2002.
separated by 0.35 m. Fig.5 summarizes the remaining cable
data (Nguyen & Chan, 2002).

Figure 5: cable properties, source: Nguyen & Chan, 2002.

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1.5 case study
The case study will focus on analyzing the
transmission lines in Duhok Governorate which
is located in Kurdistan region of Iraq, with
suggesting new underground transmission power
system. Duhok governorate it is a Kurdish city
with a population of 2,111,027 people, 1,423,080
of whom are residents. The city is surrounded by
mountains along the Tigris River and is bounded
to the north by Turkey, to the west by Syria, to
the south-west by the Province of Mosul, and to
the southeast by the Province of Erbil.
Furthermore, the electrical sector in the
Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) is governed by
the Ministry of Electricity of the Kurdistan
Regional Government (KRG). The majority of
generation capacity is provided by thermal power
plants, with a small portion given by
hydroelectric power facilities. The sector is
nevertheless confronted with significant issues,
such as substantial technical, nontechnical losses,
AAmedi
transmission and distribution system bottlenecks,
low tariff and collection rates, lack of regulatory
frameworks, and high dependence on budgetary
support. The system's overall losses are around
35–38 %, with more than half of them being
technical and remaining high in contrast to worldwide Figure 6: case study map, source: Researcher
norms.
Duhok's energy production capacity is (1029) megawatts, however overall losses in the system of the
power networks are around 35%, with 12% being technical loss and 23% being non-technical loss
(sustainable Energy action plan {SEAP}, 2018). Furthermore, the transmission lines of Duhok
governorate are developed and built based on the overhead transmission Line Design Circumstances,
which include topographical conditions, electrical criteria, standards, and technical specifications,
among other things. The overhead transmission line path should be chosen such that it is as straight
as feasible and has the shortest feasible distance (UNHCR, 2007).

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1.6 problem statement
The last few decades Duhok governorate challenged the urbanization impacts. Thus, the need for electricity and
the energy sector has grown with the growing of development. Since, overhead transmission lines are less
expensive to build and maintain, they are commonly used in the Duhok governorate. Nonetheless, the overhead
transmission system costs are also including the impact on wildlife, the environment, the landscape, human health,
and safety. As a result, the cheaper type of transmission network resulted social and environmental problems.

1.7 research objectives

• To study and understand the effect of the transmission lines.
• To make rational proposals for exploiting underground spaces for transmission lines in the case study
instead of surface.
• To recommend applications of underground transmission line for the development of sustainable energy
supply in Duhok governorate.
1.8 research question
• What are the drivers that lead to change the transmission network from overhead to underground
transmission lines?
• What are the assess associated with power transmission impacts in rural, urban and natural areas?
• How is mainstreaming sustainable development into transmission network?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of underground transmission lines?

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 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Installation of Underground Electric Transmission

As an alternative to overhead power transmission, undergrounding can be used for electric power transmission.
These wires are low-visibility and are not impacted by inclement weather. Finding problems in subterranean
transmission cables takes a long time for both fixing and locating. If an electric fault ruptures the subterranean
line, liquid nitrogen trucks are built to repair the damaged section of the line. The following events are often
included in the step-by-step method of building underground electric power transmission lines. Moreover, to
construct underground transmission lines some events are often included in the step-by-step method of building
underground electric power transmission lines, e.g., Clearing the Row, Trenching (or blasting), Pipe Welding (or)
Arranging, Vault and Duct Bank Installation, filling in the gaps, Cable Installation, Including gas(es) or fluids,
Location Restoration. These installation processes and activities are carried out concurrently to minimize the
impact on road traffic (Agarwal, 2020).

2.2 Features of Underground Electric Power Transmission

Features of underground transmission power are explained as follows (Agarwal, 2020);

• The building processes: The construction of subterranean electrical cables is costly, and they must be
protected from corrosion, moisture, mechanical harm, and soil effects due to environmental influence.
Because these cables are basic and do not require insulation or a shield, subterranean power cable
construction is more costly than overhead power cable development.
• Heat Dissipation: Heat dissipation in underground power transmission cable is only partial due to
insulating layers and protection such as sheaths and armoring. As a result, the majority of the heat is
concentrated near the wire.
• size of conductors: Underground cables have a much larger conductor with the same amount of electrical
power as above wires. Because subterranean electrical power transmission lines are artificially cooled.
• Voltage Carrying Capability: The subterranean electric power transmission cables are constrained by
the high cost of construction and heat dissipation. Because of these factors, an underground cable may
carry up to 33 kilovolts.
• Recognizing and Repairing Faults: Recognizing flaws in subterranean electric power transmission is
difficult. Because it takes a long time to locate and replace subterranean lines.
• The Protection of the Public: Underground electric power transmission cables are extremely safe for the
environment, the general population, and wildlife, among other things. These cables are not damaged and
influenced by environmental factors such as trees, accidents, animals, storms, physical interference, wind
that may cause damage to poles and cables, and so on.
• Effect of Lightning Expulsion: The subterranean electricity transmission wires remain unaffected by the
lightning strike.

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 • Interference and voltage drop: Because subterranean electric power transmission cables are
substantially greater in diameter than overhead cables for the same power supply, they have less voltage
loss.
• Environmental Affect: The subterranean electric power transmission cables provide better health and
environmental benefits owing to noise reduction and improved plant management. Furthermore, these
cables have minimal transmission loss, resulting in less injury and accidents.
• Land Use: The underground electric power transmission cable uses better land that is not visible from
cables or poles, which increases the value of the property.

2.3 Types of Underground Electric Transmission Cables

There are two types of underground transmission lines in use nowadays. One type is built in a pipe with fluid or
gas pushed or circulated through and around the cable to control heat and insulate wires. The other type is a solid
dielectric cable, which is self-contained. Also, it is a more modern technical innovation that uses fluids or gas
(The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, N.D.). The most prevalent kinds of underground cable
construction are consisting of;
• High-pressure, fluid-filled pipe (HPFF)
• High-pressure, gas-filled pipe (HPGF)
• Self-contained fluid-filled (SCFF)
• Solid cable, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)

A high-pressure, fluid-filled (HPFF): is a pipe-type underground transmission line is made out of a steel pipe
with three high-voltage conductors inside. Figure 7 is an example of an HPFF pipe-type cable.
Each conductor is constructed of copper or aluminum, and it is insulated with high-quality, oil-impregnated kraft
paper. paper insulation is also protected
by metal shielding and skid wires. Inside
steel pipes, three conductors are
surrounded by a dielectric oil which is
maintained at 200 pounds per square inch
(psi). This fluid acts as an insulator and
does not conduct electricity. Problems
associated with HPFF pipe-type
underground transmission lines include
maintenance issues and possible issues
with the hydraulic recovery system. The
outer steel pipe protects the conductors Figure 7: HPFF/ HPGH TYPE CROSS SECTION AND THEIR INSTILATTION STANDARDS,
SOURCE: (The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, N.D.).
from mechanical damage, water
infiltration, and the potential for oil leaks. The oil is also monitored for any degradation of
the reconciliation system by the maintenance system (The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, N.D.).

The high-pressure, gas-filled (HPGF): pipe-type is a derivative of the previously reported HPFF pipe-type. Is
similar to HPFF, but in this type to insulate the conductors, pressurized nitrogen gas is employed instead of

8
dielectric oil. Nitrogen gas is less effective in electrical discharge suppression and cooling. Thicker insulation
limits the amount of current that can be safely and effectively carried by the line (The Public Service Commission
of Wisconsin, N.D.).
Self-contained fluid-filled (SCFF): Underground transmission is frequently carried out using self-contained,
fluid-filled (SCFF) pipes. The conductors are hollow and filled with an insulating fluid under 25 to 50 psi
pressure. This kind of construction decreases the danger of total failure, but it is significantly more expensive
than the single pipe used to build the HPFF or HPGF systems (The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin,
N.D.).
Solid cable, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE): The pressurized liquid or gas of pipe-type cables is replaced
with solid dielectric material. For underground electric transmission lines smaller than 200 kV, XLPE cable has
become the national standard. When compared to overhead lines, most subterranean transmission requires more
downtime for repair of operational or maintenance issues. The cable's outer wrapping is made of metallic sheath
and a plastic jacket. The diameter of the
XLPE cables grows in proportion to the
voltage. The majority of underground
transmission lines in the United States
employ double-decker cable, with the
exception of a few lines that employ
single-carrier cable. The cable is buried
side by side in concrete ducts or buried side
by side in the ground and has a diameter of
around 5cm (2.5 feet). For a variety of
reasons, two sets of three cables (six Figure 8:XLPE CABLE, AND ITS STANDARDS OF CONSTRUCTION, SOURCE: (The
cables) are required. This design helps to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, N.D.).
minimize the impact of any cable failure. When compared to overhead lines, most subterranean transmission
requires more downtime for repair of operational or maintenance issues. The dual cable sets enable for electricity
to be rerouted through the backup cable set, saving downtime but increasing the line's construction footprint (The
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, N.D.).

2.4 examples of implementation the underground transmission system in some countries/cities

Belgium: The Belgian transmission network used 30kV and 380kV lines. Almost the whole 36kV and below
network is underground. Due to a government policy banning the building of new lines, there has been little new
investment in new overhead wires in Belgium in recent years. Electable issued a principal declaration about the
establishment of new electrical networks in 1992. Since then, building of overhead wires in conurbations has been
prohibited, and new overhead wires outside conurbations may only be put along current or planned general
infrastructure projects (i.e., railways, highways, waterways and airports) (ICF Consulting, 2003).
United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, there are four transmission networks, each of which is independently
owned and operated. In England and Wales, National Grid's transmission system works at 400kV and 275kV,
with an electrical circuit length of about 10,400 km of 400kV lines, 3,615 km of 275kV lines, 132 km of 400kV
subterranean cable, and 425 km of 275kV cable. The building of a 75-kilometer (5.7-kilometer) line in the United

9
Kingdom has been bolstered. An Environmental Impact Assessment is required as part of any clearance procedure
for the installation of an overhead line with a voltage of 220kV or higher and a length of more than 15 kilometers.
The government may also seek an EIA for the building of any overhead line in a sensitive region or any line with
a voltage more than 132kV. Overhead line project applications are forwarded to the appropriate local planning
authorities. If they disagree to the proposed line, the Secretary of State must convene a public inquiry. The 75-
kilometer railway between Middlesbrough and York is a modern example. The choice to place overhead wires
rather than underground lines sparked widespread public outrage. The application to construct the overhead line
was made in 1991. Following numerous years of public inquiries and hearings, it took ten years to get all consents
and wayleaves. National Grid was opposed to an underground cable due to cost (the overhead line was projected
to cost £540,000/km and the cable £8.9 million/km, a cost factor multiple of 16 times) and environmental worries
over a 15-metre strip of sterilized soil through which the cable would pass. As a result, UK government refused
the overhead transmission lines, and selected underground transmission lines (ICF Consulting, 2003).
Australia: Adoption of subterranean power cables has been gradual in Australia in the past, owing to the
expensive cost of cable technology, Australia's low-density demography, and lax regulations on the usage of
overhead lines. Historically, major disasters have served as the driving force behind the undergrounding of
electrical lines. When Cyclone Tracey hit Darwin in 1974, it gave rationale for undergrounding Darwin overhead
lines, and by 1980, more than 50°O of the city was served by underground LV and MV cables. Although there
has been minimal attempt to retrofit existing regions in Australian cities after 1980, there has been a continuous
introduction of underground cables for new residential areas. The danger of bushfires in Australia have become
more visible as a result of climate change; in many cases, these bushfires were caused by bare conductors
colliding. Furthermore, customer demand for a more dependable and secure power supply will highlight the
importance of undergrounding the current power network. The relevant elements of various subterranean cables
have been developed (Al-Khalidi & Kalam, 2006).
Austria: The Verbund-Austria hydro plant group required to increase the power plant's electric power generation
and needed a secure power transmission through an extra tunnel on a hill. The tunnel will also be utilized to rescue
individuals from the cavern in the event of an emergency, necessitating the usage of a secure electric transmission
system. As a result, the group employed used applications
of gas-insulated transmission underground line called
(GIL). GIL is made up of two concentric aluminum tubes.
The inner conductor is supported by cast resin insulators,
which keep it centered within the outer casing. This
enclosure is made of a solid aluminum tube, which offers
mechanical robustness as well as an electrical gas
compartment for the transmission system's long-term
stability and cleanliness. GIL are committed to meeting
the most recent environmental and technical Figure 9; safe underground transmission network (GIL), SOURCE: (Koch &
Imamovic, 2015).
requirements by filling with an insulating gas mixture of
mainly (80%) nitrogen (N2) and a smaller part (20%) of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) (Koch & Imamovic, 2015).

10
 CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research methods
In order to collect data and to gain more understanding about the problems of overhead transmission network in
Duhok governorate, and to promote proposals for underground transmission lines in Duhok governorate.
qualitative method will be used in this study. Qualitative research methods are designed in a manner that help
reveal the behavior and ideas of the people about a particular topic, this approach is more suitable to be used in
this study, since this approach will be appropriate to understand the impact of underground transmission network
for Duhok governorate. Therefore, the results of qualitative methods are more descriptive and the conclusion can
be drawn quite easily from the data that is obtained, and can be more suitable to produce the required data about
the underground transmission network, since qualitative methodology is concerned with explaining, describing
and making sense of a phenomenon; it also studies things in their natural setting.

3.2 Data types and resources

To answer the research questions, and to meet the achievements of goals; primary and secondary data sources are
needed. Primary data are the data collected by a researcher for the first time directly through first-hand experience,
using methods such as interviews and observation, which are both used in this study. Interviews are conducted
with two engineers to gather detailed information about the transmission network. Besides, Secondary data are
the data that have already been collected by someone else, and they are available in journals, thesis and online
articles about the impacts of transmission network.

3.3 Data collection methods

To get in depth exploration of this study and to collect data for the first time the primary data collection methods
are used through interviews and observation. The purpose of interview is to explore engineer’s view; therefore,
they provide a deeper consideration of this study. The type of interviews is Semi-Structured, because of flexibility
in asking and answering, also to address the objectives of the study open-ended questions are used to provide
more than yes/no answers and to have clear answers. Moreover, observation process is used to examine the natural
situation of the current transmission network. Also, documents of previous study are used to provide extensive
information

3.4 participants and sampling

Sampling is the process of selecting suitable participants, locations, and objects to represent analysis for the study.
The non-probability sampling is used in this study, which is a sampling technique, that means not all the

11
individuals in the population have equal chances of being selected; therefore, this type is used in this research
because the engineers have been chosen to be the sample on purpose. Moreover, for the meantime the observation
is impossible to be done for all the transmission network, places such as transmission directorate in Sarsing town,
and some of the transmission cables and towers in Duhok governorate are used to represent the study.

3.5 Difficulties and limitations

The points below show what are the difficulties which faced the researchers during the research:

• Lack of enough studies about the topic in general, and for Duhok governorate in particular.
• Lack of modern research about the topic
• Absence of engineers in the transmission stations, led to gap in the information obtained.
• Since Transmission network lines are more related to electrical engineering, so it is complicated subject
for a pure planner to understand the whole process in one course.
• Rejection to conduct interviews with the privet companies that are specialized in underground
transmission network.
• Not enough policies and plans about underground transmission networks, that support the study.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

4.1 the reasons of the cost of underground transmission power

The interviewees agreed that underground transmission is naturally more expensive than overhead. Since,
their high cost is because of materials for underground transmission are more expensive. Besides, their
insulation is more difficult for the following reasons (Electrical Engineering Info, 2017);

• more underground cables are completely covered in highly pure polymer for insulation
• It takes more time and requires more specialized equipment to construct underground wires.
• Overhead lines are basically wires wrapped around a steel cable, whereas underground cables are
built of numerous layers of copper and insulating materials.
• Because underground cables heat up more than above wires, which are cooled by the surrounding
air, bigger cables are required to transport the same amount of electricity as overhead lines.
• At least twice number of cables may be required to equal the power capacity of wires on an identical
overhead line.
• Along the whole route, linear tunnel excavations are required.
• Some transmission wires must be put underground in concrete pipes.
• Every 500 to 1,000 meters, huge connecting vaults are required to connect underground cables,
which are limited in length due to weight limits during delivery.
• The increased size of wires needs a more complex installation.

4.2 the benefit cost of underground transmission power

The interviews discussion emphasized that although underground transmission power is costly, but then again,
the advantages far exceed the drawbacks. Thus, it is not about the price, but about the value because they provide
the following benefits;

• Electric Fields: (EFs) are caused by the transmission line conductor's voltage (wire). EFs are efficiently
blocked by the insulation and shielding necessary for underground wires. Because overhead transmission
lines are not insulated, EFs may be detected near them.

• Weather: the underground transmission lines are less sensitive than overhead transmission lines to bad
weather, increasing the reliability of power delivery, as a result, increases reliability of supply of power.

• Loses: the underground transmission network has smaller transmission losses.

• Reliability: The overhead transmission system provides low reliability, but the underground transmission
system provides high reliability.

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• Maintenance: The maintenance cost of the overhead system is high, but the maintenance cost of the
underground system is low.

• Environmental Impact: The occurrences of external disasters of the environment have an influence on
the overhead (i.e., lightning, windstorm, thunderstorm). An underground system is less vulnerable to
environmental threats.

• Corona Effect: the corona effect which involves the power loss and hazards to people and environment
because of toxic and destructive ozone emissions. Corona effect can be found in the overhead system, and
cannot be found in the underground system.

• Appearance: The appearance of overhead lines impairs the view of nature, but the look of underground
cables is favorable since wires are not apparent. Moreover, Natural beauty and land value are preserved
through underground transmission. Since, the underground transmission equipment is hidden, they give
aesthetic effect. Also, it is better for the landscape, historical places, tourists place to locate underground
transmission lines for beautifying the places.

• Wildlife: the underground transmission power has less effect on the hazard of wildlife then the overhead
transmission power.

• Illegal connection: The underground wires pose less of a danger of theft and illegal connections.

• Right of way: It might be challenging to locate overhead transmission projects, since overhead lines need
the purchase of right-of-way for support structures such as towers, poles, and overhead conductors.
Underground lines can be placed in designated public thoroughfares where there is a high population
density.

• Noise: the underground transmission power hasn’t emission of noise, but then again, the overhead has the
emission of noise.

• Land use: by exploiting the ground for the transmission lines, saves the ground large spaces used for the
transmission towers. As a result, it leads to utilize the land for other land uses that serve variety of services
for citizen as parks, pedestrians’ spaces, and so on.

• Suitable life time: in the overhead transmission system the period of useful life is approximately 20 to 25
years, but in underground the period of useful life is approximately 40 to 50 years.

• Underground Infrastructure: the underground infrastructure has a significant positive impact on the
sustainability. Meanwhile, the underground transmission power is considered as underground
infrastructure. Thus, it is considered as the key to sustainable development.

14
 • Density and population: Duhok city are one of those cities that are facing the rapid growth, and
increasing in the population density, thus in the near future the city will need new transmission lines,
consequently, in this case implementing underground transmission line is more effective for the densely-
populated cities.

• Reducing run-off water: since, the overhead transmission towers are taking large area, that can be used
for planting trees instead, therefore, more flooding of the storm water occur due to less trees. As a result,
with replacement of the underground transmission system more area will exist to plant trees that lead
reduce the percentage of run off.

4.3 the hazards of overhead transmission line in Duhok governorate

Although Duhok governorate utilizes overhead transmission lines, and many people from the public or employees
of institutions in the governorate support them because they are cheaper. Nevertheless, they also ignore the
hazards of the overhead transmission lines, which leads them to consider new investments in underground to
avoid those hazards. The following points discuss how the overhead transmission lines in Duhok governorate are
causing hazards;

• NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index): The

majority of the Duhok governorate's overhead transmission
towers are located among trees, farms, green fields, and
forests. When the overhead transmission towers are close to
each other, the percentage of vegetation or green space
decrease. As a result, the overhead transmission towers are one
of the unusual causes of diminishing green space, but when it
is relocated to underground, the towers will not be affected in
the percentage of NDVI because they will not be used. Fig 10.
Is showing that the transmission towers are close to each other,
and with enough study of remote sensing will show the decline
of vegetation due to transmission lines.

Figure 10; the near distance between two

transmission towers in Duhok governorate
(Zawita district), source: Author

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• Building and Trees: the
national electric safety
code specifies that
overhead transmission
power lines must be kept
far from objectives like
building and trees,
because they cause
hazards like fires. Also,
the nearby lightning can
cause voltage surge, and
this surge can kill
anyone caught near the
trees. But unfortunately,
the overhead
transmission lines in Figure 11; the overhead transmission system near to Figure 12: houses near to the overhead
objectives in Duhok governorate, source: researcher transmission power, source: researcher
Duhok governorate are
either located near to trees
or buildings, which means the overhead transmission lines have drawback for the city. Moreover, the
overhead transmission lines are danger because of falling wires due to storms. As a result, the hazards
presented by the overhead transmission systems are immense. Furthermore, according to the provided
pictures Fig. 11 is showing items like trees, small industries are located near to the overhead transmission
lines and towers which they have a big probability to be infected by the mentioned hazards. Also, Fig 12
is showing some houses placed near to the overhead transmission system, and that also means they are
impacted in the mentioned hazards.

• Safety: Working near any type of electricity line does

have dangers. Underground cables, on the other hand, are
less dangerous to employees and the general public since
they are insulated, protected by a cover, and normally
buried one to 3 meters deep within a concrete duct.
Overhead lines can be dangerous if they fall to the ground
or are mistakenly encountered. Moreover, if the overhead
transmission tower, or the electricity pylon are near to the
streets as it shows in Fig. 13, will affect dangerously
during motor vehicle accidents while hitting the pylon.

Figure 13: transmission tower near to street in Duhok

governorate (Ashawa village), source: researcher

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4.4 implementation of the underground transmission cables in Duhok governorate
About five years ago, the transmission plant of Sarsing town in Duhok governorate has implemented the
underground transmission lines for some meters and then it has been connected to overhead transmission tower,
in this case the underground cables are transiting to the overhead lines, and this facility is called transition station.
Furthermore, the plan of this transmission station was suggested to be for more meter or kilometers, but because
of luck of the planning management, and financial management, the project stopped. According to Fig. 14 the
black cables transmit 33kv, and the red cables transmit 11kv because they are thinner. Also, according to the
monitors of this stations mentioned that there are proposals for implementing underground transmission lines in
the down town area or the CBD of Duhok city.

Figure 14: underground transmission cables in the transmission plant of Sarsing town, source: researcher

Moreover, it has been implemented underground distribution cables

in Duhok city. since, the local law emphasizes all the towers and
residential complexes must implement the underground
transmission distribution. And this law with its implementation is a
good indicator for the possibility of making future policies
according to change the overhead transmission lines, or investments
in new cables for the underground transmission system. According
to Fig 15, is showing some of residential complexes in Duhok city
that doesn’t include any overhead lines or towers. Thus,
underground cables are used, besides, the aesthetic of the places can
be noticed when the overhead lines don’t appear.

Figure 15: underground distribution system in the

residential complexes of Duhok city, source: google

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Furthermore, nowadays the problems of the electricity
distribution lines become a major difficulty Duhok
city, as it is shown in Fig 16. people have complained
about these lines because of the appearance, and
irregular connection. Thus, the awareness of people
increased about the demand for changing to the
overhead cables because they realize the drawback of
overhead distribution lines. According to this case, the
policy makers of Duhok city must be aware that the
overhead transmission system is also going to impact
the people with real problems in the near future. As a
result, actions of implementing underground
transmission power for Duhok governorate must be
started from now, before the problem becomes more
complex.

Figure 16: overhead distribution system in Duhok city, source; researcher

4.5 plans for underground transmission system

• According to the Iraq electrical master plan did not include any
short- or long-term plans for the Duhok governorate in general,
despite the fact that several governorates in the Kurdistan region
were included in those plans, and no plans for the underground
transmission network were specifically addressed. except in the
Table 12 of 132 kV and 400 kV Reinforcement Requirements for
2009 to 2015 short term plans, showed proposals for using Solid
cable, cross-linked polyethylene XLPE cables, which are type of
underground cables for Baghdad. Furthermore, by analyzing the
table it shows that how much the underground cables are cost
effective comparing with the other types (Iraq electricity master
plan, 2010).

• Figure 17; suggestion for underground cables,

source: (Iraq electricity master plan, 2010).

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 • According to the Duhok governorate's Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), there are no plans to
change the transmission network from overhead to underground in order to reduce the 40% percentage of
energy loss, but instead the project recommends using renewable energy, thus the energy loss will be
reduced (SEAP, 2018).

• According to the interviewees, Dohuk governorate does not have any current laws or future plans
regarding the transmission of underground power lines. The reason is that the decision-makers view this
type by means of cost only, without the consideration of other factors such as social and environmental,
and for this reason proposals for underground transmission lines are neglected due to the lack of
information about the long-term benefits of underground transmission type.

4.6 implications of most environmental concern

Although aesthetic effect is not the only problem with transmission lines, but it is at the top of the list of long-
term consequences that cannot be avoided. Thus, in its technical brochure 110, the International Council on Large
Electrical Systems (CIGRÉ), contrasted the implications of most environmental concern for overhead lines (OHL)
and underground cable lines (UGC) (HDR, 2018).

Figure 18; the difference between overhead transmission lines& underground transmission line, source (HDR, 2018).

The study results showed that the underground transmission lines don’t cause radio interference, noise, cattle, and
electric field effect. Moreover, their impact is very small percentage on agricultural impact, security, esthetic,
ground occupation, land value, MFSs, and visual impact comparing with overhead transmission lines.

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 CHAPTER FIVE
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Recommendation No.1: master plan for underground transmission system

Developing a master plan for an underground transmission network for the Duhok governate will be one of the
most important development strategies for integrating sustainability problems. It is especially critical that any
Master plan considers long-term growth. Master plans typically define 10–25 years of future urban development,
and it is preferable that the Master plan be three-dimensional. The proposed master plans for the underground
transmission cables must be communicated to the local community, public agencies, and public interest
organizations as part of the planning processes. As a result, the planning process is open to the public.
Furthermore, it enables researchers to include additional information, thoughts, proposals, and more
investigations. On this basis, improved solutions that best fulfill the interests of people and the environment,
economically feasible, will ensure that the new transmission connection functions are safely and reliably for a
very long time. The ideas and considerations must be developed during proposal planning based on prior
experiences and talks with local stakeholders. The authority in charge of the zoning approval procedure must
make the ultimate decision on the actual design and layout of the underground transmission master plan.

5.2 Recommendation No.2: underground technology for better outcome

Underground cables are now a more viable possibility for improving power network dependability when they
were previously not an option due to advances in modem technology. GIL and HTS Cable technology enables
the massive increase in power transmission capacity, with its unique characteristics of the low impedance and
low ohmic losses; HTS Cable has the potential of becoming a feasible new solution to power transmission
problems. This incorporates environmental benefits of no thermal or magnetic field emission and no visual impact
on the surroundings. Economic gains can also be realized when civil works are decreased by eliminating needless
digging. Underground cables can save local governments money on tree trimming while also reducing the risk of
bushfires and raising public awareness of the detrimental environmental effects of above power lines. Another
significant advantage is that it reduces the incidence of fatal accidents and the severity of injuries(Al-Khalidi &
Kalam, 2006). Furthermore, the growing necessity of subterranean power transmission has resulted in new GIL
uses in recent years. The project volume has increased in terms of transmission line length and power transmission
capability in terms of rated currents and voltages. The positive experiences with GIL across the world have
demonstrated its dependability and availability in service, whether installed in a horizontal or vertical tunnel or
employing the directly buried laying method. The high-power transmission capacity also provides strong
economic evaluations in terms of price per transferred kWh. The anticipated future requirement for subsurface
transmission indicates a promising future for this technology. Today's business starts the technological
development and improvement process for tomorrow's better solutions. One of these technologies to lower the
actual laying cost is the automated assembling and welding process employing a portable factory. Moreover, in
connection with the mobile factory, a new welding technology for a more durable and quicker welding process
increases weld quality and decreases welding times (Koch & Imamovic, 2015).

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5.3 Recommendation No.3: construction process and recurvation
The goal of constructing underground transmission cable in a sustainable manner, is achieved by collaborating
with research institutions, professionals, and expert groups. To construct the cables two approaches are installed.
Open and close construction are the two approaches used by determination of variety of factors, including cost,
the soil and groundwater conditions, as well as the natural geographical and man-made characteristics of the
environment i.e., rivers or highways that may need to be bridged. Additionally, while selecting a construction
method, the project must constantly consider environmental laws and protection (Amprion,2017).
Open construction: This approach
is essential, especially when putting
underground transmission cables in
open trenches underneath
agricultural land. To be caring with
the ground, the soil, and water
balance characteristics in open
trench, involving local farmers and
agricultural scientists advise are
needed. Fig. 19 is explaining the
design of open construction for Figure 19; open construction, source: (Amprion,2017).
underground transmission cables.
Closed construction: In all cases,
closed construction is not the best
option. For constructing the
underground transmission cables
underneath water or motorways,
closed construction approach is
used. Since, it offers significant
benefits, but is more expensive and
time-consuming. There are a
variety of procedures accessible for
this method, such as; pilot tube Figure 20: closed construction, source: (Amprion,2017).
tunneling, horizontal wash drilling,
and micro tunnelling. The technique of choice is determined by local geology, type of buildings, and the length
of the route. Fig. 20 is showing the design of closed construction.

21
5.4 conclusion
This research explains how electrical power is transmitted underground. It emphasized the most essential
benefits, limitations, uses, and locations where underground transmission is commonly employed. The method
chosen is primarily determined by factors such as cost, voltage, safety, application, and so on. The overhead
power transmission is inexpensive, as is the installation process. Underground power transmission, on the other
hand, is more expensive but has numerous advantages, such as the potential to limit outages, lower maintenance
costs, safety, more environmentally friendly, and transmission losses are frequently lower with underground
cables than with overhead lines. The study presented the problem of Dohuk's overhead transmission system
growing with the province's expansion, which led to the expansion of overhead transmission network because
they are cheaper, and the project overlooked other concerns such as social and environmental. The challenge
does not end there; decision makers are embracing the concept of installing transmission lines above ground
without regard for future impacting circumstances. As a consequence, interviews, observation, and research
techniques were utilized to investigate topics such as why subterranean tables are expensive, and what the cost
benefits of this transmission system are, how the overhead transmission lines are affecting the Duhok region,
and why there is no future plans for underground transmission type. Furthermore, the study covered objectives
such as understanding the effect of transmission lines and making rational proposals for utilizing underground
spaces for transmission lines in the case study rather than surface, as well as putting some recommend
applications of underground transmission lines for the development of sustainable energy supply in Duhok
governorate. The findings indicated that there is insufficient understanding about this type, and the opportunity
cost of adopting underground transmission type is positive, since though it is costly now, it will serve and save
economic, social, and environmental difficulties in the future in a sustainable manner.

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