An evaluation of the environmental burdens of present and alternative materials used for electricity transmission

This paper describes research using life cycle analysis assessment techniques to determine the environmental impacts associated with the use of present and possible alternative materials utilised in all aspects of high voltage electricity transmission. The study focuses on the National Grid system in England and Wales, where the majority of high voltage electricity is transmitted through steel and aluminium conductors supported above the ground by mild steel lattice type towers. A major aspect of the study is to address the effects of different corrosive environments to which the tower materials are exposed: namely rural, industrial and coastal locations.