Composite electricity distribution poles for Kenya: a predictive, systematic and meta- analytic review

Abstract

Increasing levels of global forest denudation have led to increased global warming due to rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is further exacerbated by the need for poles for power distribution among other uses. A need, therefore, exists to venture into alternative poles that are environmentally friendly and address the effects of deforestation. The paper addresses this emerging issue by suggesting the adoption of composite poles for power distribution in Kenya. Composite poles are those whose outer materials are ultraviolet stabilized, recyclable, and resistant to corrosion and attacks such as from insects and rodents. The outer material also has minimum water porosity. The inner material, on the other hand, is made of both fiber and Polyurethane material. The fibres are organic and can be of industrial or biological materials such as fiberglass, carbon fibre, or plant fibre, among others. This paper analyses the composition, available technologies, socio-economic benefits as well as risks to be mitigated by the adoption of composite poles in Kenya. Analysis of the total cost per pole installed for various pole types was done. Data collection methods involved interviewing Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) staff, the observation made at the Limuru factory, and the use of existing documentation by KPLC and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). The paper reviewed studies done by KPLC and standards developed thereof by KEBS. Further key attributes of various pole technologies were compared and a comparison of composite poles with wood and concrete poles was carried out. In addition, the technical features of poles were compared. Data collected was analysed and the results were presented in tabular forms. The cost analyses of the various poles and a summary of the failure of wooden poles in various regions throughout Kenya were also covered. The study has demonstrated based on a life-term analysis, that composite poles would save up to 40% of the total costs incurred for projects that are replacing wooden and concrete poles over 80 years. This translates to about KES 51, 868, 363 per composite lifetime or about KES 648, 354 per year (USD 5,533.60 /a) in addition to the added benefits of easier and quicker installations, low operation costs, and longevity. Further still, Composites poles would significantly impact the amount of money charged to connect new clients to the Grid electricity. The study concludes by indicating that a need exists for further analysis of the cost elements using Net Present Value (NPV) approaches.

Performance of treated wooden electricity distribution poles in service in Uganda

“…Polesaver sleeves, on the other hand are said to stick on the pole keeping it dry and airtight, creating a barrier between the pole and the soil (Van Acker et al 2023). Globally, the United States replaces 3.6 million wooden poles per year and yet adds 2.4 million poles on the distribution line annually (Kamweru 2022). Australia has an estimated 5 million wooden electricity poles in service with more than 75,000 new poles installed per annum and $40-50 million spent on maintenance and replacements annually (Baraneedaran 2009).…”