The Swiss utility industry would like to expand and upgrade Switzerland's high voltage transmission grid but environmental groups are opposed. We analyzed alternative perspectives on the need for upgrades, the technologies available, and the regulatory approval process for new lines. Based on a series of interviews with representatives from the utility industry, government agencies, environmental groups, and other experts, we presented means to safeguard and streamline future grid upgrades and recommend that the different stakeholders work together as early as possible in the planning process of new lines.  We also recommend that Swissgrid explore using a partially underground system and more visually appealing overhead towers to address public concerns about aesthetics and health.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• McCallum, Samuel Carl
• Abojaradeh, Ahmad M.
• Orlovskaya, Alina

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Environment
• Energy
• Sustainability
• Well-Being

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050114-155214

Keyword

• Sustainability
• Electric power distribution

Advisor

• Golding, Dominic
• Schaufeld, Jerome

Year

• 2014

Center

• Zurich, Switzerland Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Favre-Perrod, Patrick
• Haute Ècole de Gestion (HEG) Fribourg School of Engineering

Date created

• 2014-05-01

Location

• Zurich

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright