The objective of the project is for these covers to stop the growth of vegetation, so that, on the one hand, the scrubbing work is reduced and, on the other hand, they act as a firebreak.
According to Naturgy, keeping the surroundings of power lines clean is essential, both to guarantee the quality of the electrical service and to have a protection area against forest fires, but it is not always an easy task, especially in those medium and high voltage lines that cross areas of complicated orography and dense vegetation.
Controlling the growth of this vegetation can help reduce the frequency of clearing tasks that must be carried out for the correct maintenance of infrastructure and, consequently, minimize the environmental impact associated with these actions. In addition, especially in areas dominated by bushes, it could help areas located under power lines act more efficiently as firebreaks, with possible benefits in preventing forest fires.
Pioneer project
To achieve the objective, UDF, Naturgy’s electricity distributor, has signed a collaboration agreement with the Lourizán Forestry Research Center, in Galicia, in a pioneering research project, called “Vegetation Management Study under Aerial Power Lines” and which aims to test new methods to limit the growth of vegetation under power lines.
Currently, UFD operates 116,000 km of power lines in Spain, and many of them run through forest areas, where it is necessary to carry out periodic maintenance of the biomass to guarantee supply quality levels and comply with forest fire prevention legislation.
The project proposes two main strategies to reduce the growth of this vegetation, on the one hand, the installation of covers on the ground; and on the other, the planting of low-growing, creeping species that do not require maintenance, so that, in the medium or long term, they can displace and replace unwanted vegetation.
Four biodegradable materials have been selected for the covers: polylactic acid, a polymer obtained mainly from forage corn; chestnut chips and pruning remains from urban parks, which have the advantage of having a high load of tannins, which are weed inhibitors, and sheep wool, a biodegradable material that is used as a weed control method and as a fireproof material.
Test plan
The study has a trial plan scheduled to analyze its evolution over three years. At the end of this experience, the results will be evaluated from a technical, environmental and economic point of view which, if favorable, may determine the framework for its progressive implementation in the line sections that are considered appropriate.
The idea is not to apply the tested methods in a general way throughout the electrical distribution network, but to identify and select those techniques that are most effective to be implemented in specific areas, such as areas that are difficult to access for maintenance teams, protected spaces or other locations with special sensitivity, such as those affected by invasive species.
How to help nature
World Nature Protection Day, celebrated on October 18 and included in the annual calendar by the United Nations in 1972, highlights the importance of reacting to threats such as deforestation, pollution and climate change.
Currently, one of the main objectives of the United Nations is to achieve a more sustainable world, through the 2030 Agenda, to ensure that countries develop without affecting nature, but rather taking advantage of the renewable resources it has.
Among the most effective actions, the UN highlights the use of renewable energy, the recycling of materials such as plastic, the ecological maintenance of vehicles or the change to cleaner options, the construction of green infrastructure, the generation of domestic compost, the use of reusable bags and the reduction of the carbon footprint.