2017
Finland
Elenia, an electricity distributor in Finland, is replacing overhead power lines with underground cables. This transition aims to reduce potential risk for power outages caused by storms, heavy snow and other climate-related hazards.
The goal is to make the electricity network more stable and better prepared for increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
Highlights
01
Elenia aims for undergrounding 75% of its network by 2028.
02
Underground cables are buried 0.45–1 meter in the ground.
03
Co-construction tunnels for both power lines and fibber-optic cables with telecom companies to reduce installation costs.
Main Information
Finland is expected to face more frequent and severe storms, heavy precipitation, snow loads and strong winds because of climate change. Consequently, overhead lines are vulnerable to falling trees or heavy snow accumulates on wires. Elenia response was to underground much of its network, where cables are less exposed to storms and snow accumulations.
Since 2009, the company has committed to building only weather-proofed distribution lines, with a plan to underground 75% of all its power lines in the country by 2028. As a result, supply becomes more stable and less weather-dependent. Installing underground cables involves digging trenches (around 0.45 to 1 meter deep), laying cables, and then restoring the land.
As part of this move, Elenia works closely with local communities, landowners, and public authorities to plan and execute underground cabling. In some areas, the works are combined with laying of fibber-optic cables by telecom companies, a so-called “co-construction” which helps reduce costs and disruptions for rthe nearby communities.
Though the initial investment is significant, the long-term benefits – according to Elenia – include fewer outages and less repairs, improved reliability of the electricity network, and potentially lower maintenance costs. Because underground cables are protected against most climate and weather risks Finland is facing, this practice is seen as a strong adaptation measure for future climate challenges.
The information included in this case was compiled by RGI alone.
