A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS OF THE PRE–STRESSED CONCRETE POLES AND THE WOODEN ELECTRICITY POLES

Abstract

Electricity is one of the vital factors in today’s world. The transmission and distributions systems are helped to carry out the electricity from one place to another place. And, the electricity poles and electric cables are major components of the system. Furthermore, the production of these poles and electric cables can be caused significant environmental impacts. Hence, this study was attempted to understand the environmental impact of electricity poles and electric cables with the help of Carbon Footprint Analysis. Therefore, as first step, the Carbon Footprint of Product (CFPs) of a pre-stressed concrete electricity pole, a wooden electricity pole, and Low Voltage (LV) electric cable has been calculated and further, Carbon Footprint (CF) based on the raw materials (RM), the finished good transportation and the manufacturing stages were calculated. Furthermore, following the methodological approaches given in GHG protocol, ISO 14067:2018, and PAS:2050 standards and guidelines to analyze CFP. Furthermore, data were analyzed using excel calculations such as SUM, MULTIPLICATION, and correlation analysis with Minitab 17 software. As results, the CFPs of a pre-stressed pole was calculated as 234.51kgCO2e/one pole (0.23tCO2e/one pole), a wooden pole as 258.669kgCO2e/one pole (0.26tCO2e/one pole) and 1km LV electric cable as 19008.11kgCO2e/1km LV electric cable (19.01tCO2e/1km LV electric cable). As well, Manufacturing stage of a pre-stressed concrete pole has been identified as larger contributor of GHG emission of 226.39kgCO2e/one pole (0.23tCO2e/one pole), and a wooden pole has contributed to larger GHG emission of 12.77kgCO2e/one pole (0.01tCO2e/one pole) from RM transportation stage. Eventually, when comparing pre-stressed concrete poles and wooden poles within 1km transmission of electricity, pre-stressed poles have been noted as more sustainable to install within 1km transmission of electricity line. Because CFP of pre-stressed concrete poles within 1km transmission of electricity was 4.69tCO2e and CFP of wooden poles within 1km transmission of electricity was 6.47tCO2e. Eventually, eco-efficient materials and types of machinery have been recommended to reduce the CFP of pre-stressed concrete poles without any comparison. Furthermore, the continuation of Life Cycle Assessment for evaluating all multiple impacts rather climate impact has been suggested by the researcher as the future research direction