Composite Electricity Distribution Poles for Kenya: a Predictive, Systematic and Meta-analytic Review

Abstract

Increasing levels of deforestation throughout the world and in Kenya have led to a rise in global warming due to rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is further driven by the need for poles for power distribution among other uses of wood. 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 adoption of composite poles for power distribution in Kenya.

Composites poles are those whose outer material 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 fibre 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 risk to be mitigated by 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 of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) staff, observation made at Limuru factory and use of existing documentation by KPLC and 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 comparison of composite poles with wood and concrete poles carried out. In addition, technical features of poles were compared. Data collected was analysed and the results presented in tabular forms. The cost analyses of the various poles and summary of failure of wooden poles in various regions throughout Kenya were also covered.

The study has demonstrated that using a life-term analysis, the composite poles would save up to 40% of the total costs incurred for projects that are replacing wooden and concrete poles over an 80-year period. 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 additional benefits of easier and quicker installations, low operation costs and longevity. 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.