What is an underground power station?

An underground power station is a type of hydroelectric power station constructed by excavating the major components (e.g., machine hall, penstocks, and tailrace) from rock rather than the more common surface-based construction methods. One or more conditions impact whether a power station is constructed underground.

Why are underground substations important?

Underground substations help to bring high voltage electricity directly into the city center. The stations are environmentally friendly, almost unnoticeable, and have none of the planning problems encountered by surface-built solutions.

What is an underground substation?

And they landed on the idea of an underground substation. The planned underground substation is part of the Greater Cambridge Energy Program. The program’s goals are to back increased electric demand in the region, enhance resiliency, and support decarbonization.

Can a city build a power station underground?

Often, above-ground sites that utilities use for power stations sit on valuable real estate. With this new model, however, cities can put some of their electrical infrastructure underground. This opens up space and allows for development—either above or next to the power infrastructure.

Can underground substations drive development & generate income?

Underground substations can drive development and generate income. How? Often, above-ground sites that utilities use for power stations sit on valuable real estate. With this new model, however, cities can put some of their electrical infrastructure underground.

What type of generator does a base station use?

The air conditioning of the base station runs at 220 VAC. These base stations can be powered by two types of diesel generators. The first is the conventional type where 220 VAC is converted to 48 VDC to charge the batteries and power the communication equipment.