Best Practice Guide: Integrated Vegetation Management in Europe

In this report, we use case studies from the field to illustrate the benefits, challenges, success stories and learnings from grid operators at different phases of the transition to ecological, integrated vegetation management (IVM) in their grid areas.  

Introduction

Historically, the prevailing logic of conventional vegetation management has been to eliminate risk of interference with power transmission through periodic, indiscriminate removal of all vegetation in a defined corridor around power lines, often at the expense of the environment and without the involvement of local stakeholders. In contrast, IVM takes a more holistic strategy by promoting the growth of low-impact vegetation ensures safe operation of energy infrastructure, while supporting habitats for biodiversity, connecting ecosystems at landscape scale, and creating socio-economic benefits for local stakeholders.

In our work at RGI, we regularly encounter and promote practices which demonstrate the benefits of a more nuanced approach to managing the areas around power infrastructure. In recent years, we have recognised a marked increase in recognition of IVM’s merits and, therewith, increasing interest in uptake. This has often been coupled with a desire on behalf of grid operators to learn about other practitioners. In response, we have intensified our work on IVM, including through public events, professional exchanges, working groups and best practice communication.

This document should be considered a Best Practice Guide to IVM implementation. It is based on our extensive discussions with grid operators and a questionnaire answered by 14 grid operators (both transmission system operators, TSOs and distribution system operators, DSOs) who engage in our ongoing IVM Working Group. The grid operators are from across the European continent, managing infrastructure from mediterranean ecosystems to boreal forests. While some grid operators are early in their IVM ‘journey’, others consider ecological corridor management as a standard, or are in the process of rolling out IVM across their grid areas.

The report is separated into four main chapters, namely:

It is our hope that this report, with the success stories and challenges it includes, will provide inspiration and guidance for other grid operators who are considering implementing IVM in their grid area.

For questions, or in case you would like to learn more about or join our Working Group, please contact us below.

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