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Originally Posted by JennyS  I've a feeling (though I could be wrong) thats there is an EU Directive due to come into force in the next few years compelling power companies etc to put the high voltage lines underground rather than overground. At least they are much better insulated when underground, don't require creosoted poles that need replacement/repair, and remove the eyesore of power lines. |
Creosoted poles are only used when transmission is around 33KV or less. Transmission from larger wind farms is normally at higher voltages. The grid (ie what you see on steel pylons) is 132Kv to 400Kv. It is by way of the grid that ultimately most power that is generated is transmitted.
One of the problems that was causing delay in the go ahead of the proposed wind farms in the Western Isles was the route the HV Transmission lines would take as the made their way South to Central Scotland.
Can you imagine UNDERGROUNDING all that way????????????????. A mind boggling thought even if it was technically possible.
Better insulated from what?
John D