Energy Handbook 2011 - GBR

P o w e r S u m m i t - T h e E n e r g y H a n d b o o k 2 0 1 1
F o c u s : T r a n s m i s s i o n a n d D i s t r i b u t i o n
Transmission & Distribution
The transport of electricity from generator to user is perhaps
the least glamorous part of the power sector. However, T&D
infrastructure is clearly vital to the provision of electricity and
the management of its development, and the design of efficient
private-sector markets to ensure the provision of effective T&D
has often lagged behind that of its big cousin, generation.
The relationship between T&D and
generation is symbiotic: without
one, the other is useless. The
distribution of T&D infrastructure dictates
who in a country has access to electricity,
and the management of the grid has a
very real effect on the efficiency of the
overall electricity system.
and often the most financially attractive,
option is to build power plants next to
major energy consumers, and invest little
in T&D infrastructure. Taking this route
means that only very limited numbers of
citizens share in the benefits of a new
power plant.
Article by:
Oliver Cushing
Electrification of rural and poorer urban
In the developed West the issue of T&D communities is one of the most tangible
distribution may seem irrelevant – after signs a government can make of its
all, every house is plugged into the grid commitment to development, and can have
– but in developing markets the way in a substantial impact on the prosperity of a
which power is distributed has major nation. China, for instance, has connected
political and economic ramifications. a staggering 450m people to the grid in
Across the world, it is estimated that the past 15 years. This spectacular rate
1.5bn people have no access to electricity, of electrification has doubtless been a
and many more are connected but suffer key driving factor in China’s economic
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from extremely limited supply. The easy, success, and has played a role in ensuring
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