Sustainable management of green corridors below overhead lines in Europe

Abstract

Overhead power lines (OPL) play a vital role in Europe's energy infrastructure, ensuring the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity across the continent. With the increasing emphasis on Clean energy and the necessity to transition to a low-carbon future. The implementation of green corridors below OPLs further enhances their importance in Europe's sustainable development. Green corridors refer to the strategic integration of ecological corridors or linear green spaces below or adjacent to OPLs. These corridors provide crucial connectivity for wildlife, support biodiversity conservation, and contribute to ecosystem resilience. By incorporating green corridors below OPLs, Europe can maximize the co-benefits of energy infrastructure development and ecological conservation. These green spaces can serve as habitat networks, facilitating the movement of species across fragmented landscapes.This thesis aims to assess the potential for creating a network of ecosystems through the sustainable management of green corridors below OPLs in Europe. The success of these corridors depends on the selection of appropriate transmission lines, strategic planning measures and the implementation of legal regulations and Directives. The Legal framework requires all Member States in Europe to establish a network of protected areas and communities, and to ensure that installation of OPLs do not negatively impact the ecosystem.This thesis employs a qualitative approach that complements existing literature on OPLs and green corridors, using existing data derived from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, as well as ongoing projects that implement these infrastructure corridors. The aim of this thesis is to outline, through the example of the LIFEElia-RTE project, the execution and strategic planning initiatives for the successful implementation of green corridors below overhead power lines in Europe. This selection process places a strong emphasis on the necessity of stakeholder involvement, and collaboration in strategic planning measures. Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of considering variables such as height, voltage, and location when choosing transmission lines. On the other hand, the thesis establishes the requirement for the implementation of regulatory frameworks to protect the biodiversity.