Participación de las partes interesadas:
Elenia representatives suggested that the construction of weatherproof networks was a long-term process requiring openness and interaction both for the operational purposes and to create trust towards this long-term change. As a result, interaction with key stakeholders at various levels and in particular municipalities is embedded in Elenia’s operations. This interaction generally occurs in a collaborative atmosphere. As an example, in December 2016, Elenia carried out a popular event for local residents in Ruovesi concerning the cabling project.
Elenia involves different stakeholders in different phases of the construction as much as possible. For example, Elenia reports meetings with land owners, authorities and the general public, intensive co-operation with local and regional media and also social media to give open information to their stakeholders.
Éxito y factores limitantes:
The key success factor for underground cabling is the availability of the correct technology for underground cabling, with regard to installation, monitoring and management. Elenia co-operates as much as possible with other underground cabling entities such as telecommunications companies to minimise disturbance to populations through digging activities, as well as reducing costs through collaboration. Although underground cabling could be exposed to new climate hazards, in particular from flooding and soil movements related to landslides, so far these risks remain hypothetical. Excavation due to other construction or maintenance activity represents a key risk of damage to installed underground cables. However, recent Elenia innovations include the application of digitisation and GIS technology to underground cables, with the aim of informing excavators as to the location of underground cables. Although there is no regional focus and the network area is treated consistently, during the first years Elenia focused on the highest density areas, with rural areas to follow.
Presupuesto, tipo de financiación y beneficios adicionales:
In Finland, the planned investments by Elenia for 2018 are €140 million. The largest costs relate to installation, with a substantial portion of this spent on excavation. Elenia aims to minimize costs by partnering with telecommunications companies for joint excavation efforts where possible. Finland’s 7th Communication to the UNFCCC estimates that total investments in distribution networks needed to ensure security of supply (including through underground cabling) will be €2,800 million.
The benefits, although not quantified at this stage, will involve more secure energy supply, as well as job provision for excavation and installation work during the required time period. Additionally, there are benefits that are unrelated to climate change adaptation. These include lower visual impact and reduced accident risk e.g. fires and impact associated with broken or fallen cables.
At 2018, a study on the social costs and benefits of underground cabling as a key adaptation measure was under review.
Tiempo de implementación:
The share of underground cabling in Elenia’s electricity network increased from 38 % in 2016 to 41 % in 2017. This rate gives an indication of the progress towards the target of 75 % by 2028. The implementation time for a particular project varies between several months and several years, depending in particular on the area covered and the length of cables (from a few kilometres up to several hundreds of kilometres). A typical underground cabling project takes 1-2 years, whereby the first year is normally dedicated to project selection and design, and the second year involves actual construction, commissioning and documentation.