IBERDROLA INSPECTS 64 500 KILOMETRES OF ITS POWER LINES IN SPAIN TO REINFORCE SECURITY OF SUPPLY
Part of the drive to improve the company’s electricity installations
- In the first half of this year, the company inspected the lines used most to supply peak summer electricity demand
- IBERDROLA has carried out a quick inspection of nearly 10,000 kilometres of power lines, a routine inspection of 20,000 kilometres, a thorough review of 23,500 kilometres, and an infrared analysis of more than 9,000 kilometres, and pruned trees that could potentially come into contact with the power lines
IBERDROLA checked around 67,500 kilometres of its power lines in Spain in the first half of the year to bolster security of supply this summer and ultimately improve the quality of service it provides.
The company inspected the very-high, high, medium and low-voltage lines used most to supply peak summer electricity demand caused by high temperatures.
IBERDROLA performed routine inspections of 20,000 kilometres of lines and rapid inspections of nearly 10,000 kilometres. This type of review is to detect potential problems that could occur with components of this type of facility, e.g. IBERDROLA performed routine inspections of nearly 6,000 kilometres of lines and rapid inspections of more than 2,000 kilometres.
The company also conducted a comprehensive review of the electricity pylons and the measurements required to detect potential anomalies in 23,500 kilometres of lines.
Using infrared –thermographic- analysis, it checked more than 9,000 kilometres of lines. This entails examining the power infrastructure using infrared cameras carried by helicopter or by a team of workers on foot. The temperatures of the installations are measured to detect and correct any points where they are too high –hot points- and to ensure supply in the event of a peak in demand.
Finally, IBERDROLA carried out cleaning work in power line corridors, felling and cutting back trees threatening to hit the lines along nearly 2,000 kilometres of lines.
The inspection campaign forms part of the company’s endeavours to improve its electricity installations as a means of enhancing the quality and security of supply.