Considerations in Designing a Low Carbon Substation

This paper aims to present the considerations and the approach to designing a low carbon substation. The analysis involves performing a 60-year Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) to assess the embodied carbon from the substation power equipment, control building and yard elements, and operational carbon analysis to assess the operational carbon from the substation losses. The overall lifecycle emissions from substation construction, maintenance, and operation over 60-years amounts to approximately 27,565 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO
2
e). Operational emissions account for 82% of all lifecycle emissions while embodied carbon emissions account for 18% of the lifecycle emissions. Although contributing only 18% of the lifecycle emissions, most of the embodied carbon emissions occur prior to the substation being operational, thus requiring a careful consideration during the design and procurement process to reduce them. This paper will particularly focus on embodied carbon emissions associated with various substation elements and their reduction strategies.