Why Are More and More Cables Being Placed Underground?
News 2025年4月1日 33
In recent years, there has been a global trend toward underground cable installation for power transmission, telecommunications, and other utility services. This shift from traditional overhead lines to subterranean systems reflects evolving urban priorities, technological advancements, and changing environmental considerations. This article examines the key factors driving this transformation in infrastructure development.
- Urban Aesthetics and Space Optimization
Visual Pollution Reduction
– Elimination of unsightly overhead wires and poles
– Preservation of historic cityscapes and scenic views
– Improved streetscape appearance for tourism and commerce
Space Efficiency
– Maximization of limited urban right-of-way
– Elimination of pole line conflicts with trees and buildings
– Reduced need for easements in dense development areas
- Enhanced Reliability and Performance
Weather Resilience
– Protection from storms, wind, and ice damage
– Resistance to falling trees and flying debris
– Reduced outage rates during extreme weather events
Operational Advantages
– Lower maintenance requirements (no pole inspections)
– Reduced fault rates (protected from environmental contact)
– Longer lifespan (typically 40+ years vs 25 for overhead)
- Safety Improvements
Public Safety Benefits
– Elimination of downed wire hazards
– Reduced risk of electrical contact injuries
– No pole collision risks for vehicles
Fire Prevention
– Removal of potential arc sources in wildfire zones
– Reduced ignition risks from falling conductors
– Important for urban-wildland interface areas
- Environmental Considerations
Ecosystem Protection
– Reduced bird electrocution and collisions
– Minimal habitat fragmentation
– Lower electromagnetic field exposure
Climate Adaptation
– Better resilience to climate change impacts
– Reduced vulnerability to temperature extremes
– Protection from rising sea levels in coastal areas
- Technological Advancements
Installation Innovations
– Trenchless technologies (directional drilling)
– Improved cable laying equipment
– Modular underground vault systems
Material Science
– Advanced XLPE insulation materials
– Corrosion-resistant conduits
– Self-healing cable technologies
- Economic Factors
Long-Term Cost Benefits
– Lower lifetime maintenance costs
– Reduced storm damage repairs
– Increased property values along routes
Urban Development
– Enables higher density construction
– Supports smart city infrastructure
– Facilitates district energy systems
- Challenges and Considerations
Implementation Barriers
– Higher initial installation costs (3-10× overhead)
– Complex urban excavation requirements
– Specialized repair techniques needed
Technical Limitations
– Heat dissipation challenges
– Higher capacitive losses for AC systems
– More complex fault location
- Global Trends and Case Studies
International Adoption
– European cities: 90%+ underground in urban centers
– Asian megacities: Massive underground cable projects
– North America: Accelerating conversion programs
Successful Implementations
– London’s “Powering the City” initiative
– Singapore’s underground grid masterplan
– Tokyo’s earthquake-resistant cable network
The global shift toward underground cable systems represents a strategic response to urbanization, climate challenges, and technological progress. While requiring greater initial investment, undergrounding delivers substantial long-term benefits in reliability, safety, aesthetics, and environmental protection. As cities continue to grow and climate patterns become more severe, this transition will likely accelerate, supported by advancing installation technologies and innovative financing models.
The future of utility infrastructure clearly lies beneath our feet, with underground cables playing a central role in building more resilient, sustainable, and visually appealing communities. Policymakers and utilities must balance the higher upfront costs against the long-term societal benefits when planning infrastructure upgrades.