Students A. J. M. van Loon, J. J. T. M. Tutor: Sophie Rousseau
In the Netherlands there is a lot of discussion whether the high-voltage lines should be laid underground or above ground. The connections that lie above the ground are often towering masts with bundled cables, which disturb visibility. In the Netherlands, there are possibilities for the underground connection (cabling) of 150 kV high-voltage lines, including the high-voltage line that runs through Woensel-Noord, in Eindhoven. This research focuses on the question of what the cabling or relocation of the high-voltage line in Woensel-Noord will yield.
On the basis of literature research and an analysis, it has been investigated what the cabling or relocation yields. Various scenarios have been investigated in Woensel-Noord: cabling, relocation and land consolidation. These scenarios have been used to investigate the benefits of bringing the high-voltage line underground.
The relocation scenario provides the most social benefits, but cabling will also yield a lot of improvement compared to the above-ground situation. In both cases there are possibilities for new construction. This could mean that the costs for cabling or relocation can be partly covered. It is technically possible to wire a high-voltage line. The biggest challenge remains the financial costs in relation to the social benefits. The conclusion is therefore that it not only depends on what is technically possible, but that it has to do with an administrative choice that also includes the quality, health and liveability of humans and animals.