Introduction: Development of trial section of 33kV overhead line (L36) incorporating Optical Path Phase Conductor (OPPC) optical fibres for circuit communications.

Objectives: A number of recent generation connections have led to a necessity to use circuits with a connection capacity over and above the existing 33kV ratings of c. 20MVA. Within the design the opportunity has been taken to introduce optical fibres into the phase conductors of the new specification as a robust / economic means of communication.

Following the development of a specification, this project aims to construct a trial section of the line to identify associated construction or maintenance difficulties. This installation will also be used as a training facility to investigate potential O+M difficulties associated with fibre optics in phase conductors.