High Voltage Overhead and Underground Transmission Comparison

This white paper compares high voltage overhead and underground transmission infrastructure, specifically focusing on 330kV and 500kV systems. It discusses the increasing demand for new transmission projects in Australia as the country aims to achieve net zero targets. The document outlines various factors influencing the decision to implement overhead or underground systems, including technical, financial, and community impact considerations. It details the construction, operational, and maintenance impacts of both infrastructure types, highlighting the differences in disruption levels to landowners and the community. The paper also addresses the challenges associated with underground cables, such as the complexity of joints and the need for reactive power compensation. Additionally, it presents examples of high voltage direct current (HVDC) projects that utilize underground infrastructure. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of considering multiple factors and the need for sensitivity towards affected communities in determining the optimal transmission solution for each project.