Sustainable Corridor Management

Introduction

The process of siting new power lines is complex and time-consuming, requiring coordination among numerous stakeholders. Particularly influential are landowners and organisations representing them as their inadequate involvement has decisive influence on the construction, operation and performance of these lines. Therefore, it is beneficial to gather and present information on successful cases of stakeholder engagement, especially landowners.

In general, new power lines have negative impacts on habitats in their corridor, particularly forests. In many countries, restoration of the forest to its previous state is not feasible. System owners primarily manage vegetation to ensure reliable operation of the power system but are increasingly required to consider the principles of sustainability in vegetation management and minimize the impact of power lines on the environment as well as to preserve biodiversity. The objective of the WG is to compile information and examples of good practices from different countries that apply to the management of vegetation in power line corridors.

Methodology

Initially, a proposal for a survey was drawn up, which the WG members completed as a test. The amended and shortened questionnaire, consisting of mostly close-ended questions and a few open-ended questions, was approved by the TC. This was followed by carrying out the survey, analysis of collected data and preparation of graphs that are included in TB. Subsequently, examples of good practices and the writing of the TB was carried out.

Description of the TB

The first chapter emphasizes the importance of vegetation management in power line corridors to ensure the reliable operation of the power system, mitigating environmental impacts, and facilitating the use of these corridors for other purposes. The chapter underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement, especially landowners. Information is provided on published CIGRE documents dealing with this topic and an overview of TBs’ content is provided.

The survey, which contained 35 questions and is included in the third appendix, is presented in the second chapter. The chapter contains data on 41 surveyed organizations from 32 countries.

The third chapter focuses on corridor characteristics, what their widths are (see Figure 1), and how their width is determined (see Figure 2). The chapter includes data on the types of land that the corridors cross in the countries under consideration. It also discusses the involvement of system owners in spatial planning and decision-making regarding construction within power line corridors, as well as the legal relations between system owners and landowners. Finally, an example of good practice is presented.

Chapter 4 focuses on landowners and other stakeholders. It begins by presenting data on all stakeholders’ involvement across the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance phases of power lines, and what their influence is on the development of the entire project. The system owner's communication with the landowners and the determination of compensation are presented. The TB authors share their experiences in relations with landowners. Examples of good practice include conducting surveys of among residents living near and far from power lines, forming partnerships with stakeholders focused on nature protection, inclusion of local ethnic groups in decision-making regarding power lines, and coordination with authorities to protect valuable habitats. The chapter concludes with summaries and recommendations.

The fifth chapter addresses vegetation management, primarily aimed at ensuring the reliable operation of power lines. All types of vegetation management and criteria are listed, in which way the priority of carrying out work is determined, who performs the work and who controls the quality of the performed activities....