Abstract:
Electrification forms a huge part of any developing nation’s agenda. Access to electricity is a universal goal which many countries are still working towards. For this reason, there is growth in the introduction of electrical infrastructure and associated technology in areas which previously had no access to electricity. While electrification is notably important for socio-economic growth; the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operational infrastructure cannot be ignored. The introduction of distribution infrastructure which is mainly steel structured pylons, kilometres of conductor and substations is associated with impacts on vegetation, bird collisions and electrocutions and spillages from apparatus such as transformers. The study was prompted by the regulatory exemption of electrification from undergoing a Basic Assessment or an Environmental Impact Assessment due to the low voltage of reticulation lines. The study however shows that low voltage lines can have significant environmental impact particularly on indigenous vegetation and birds. Where birds are concerned the study shows that low voltage lines are more likely to be responsible for bird mortalities than sub-transmission lines are. The methods used for data collection were field observations, key informants, analysis of project and incident records which included licences and permits for cutting and trimming indigenous and protected trees and records of bird collisions and electrocutions. The study shows that 86% of licences and permits received over the 5 year period were for electrification projects while only 5% were for sub-transmission projects. From the bird mortality data reviewed 62% of the bird mortalities occurred on 11-22kV power lines and infrastructure; 10% on 88kV, and 22% on 132kV power lines and infrastructure. These findings are contrary to the notion that low voltage projects have lower impacts and thus should not be subjected to an authorization process. The study makes recommendations on how the negative impacts of electrification can be managed and minimized and also recommends introducing a tool similar in strategy and methodology to the EIA process but less intensive which can be used for smaller projects such as electrification.
