Foreword

The publication of the 4th edition of this book is timely and should prove to

be of value to a wide range of readers with interests in the electrical power

industry.

Today, the challenges for those undertaking transmission and distribution

system new-build projects, existing system extensions, or refurbishment and

life extension of older equipment are as great as ever. In particular, they

include emphasis on reaching a decision on the most applicable financial and

economic options as well as the most intelligent technical engineering

solutions.

Obtaining the maximum value from transmission and distribution infra-

structure, integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid

using the latest technologies, and the technical challenges associated with

transport of electricity from remote power sources to population centers, are

well covered in this new edition with the addition of two new chapters on

high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems and smart grids.

Such an educational text based on a blend of theory and sound practical

experience is likely to prove invaluable to current practitioners as well as

those who have recently joined the profession.

Leading, as I do, the transmission and distribution business of international

and well-recognized engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, I see this

book as being useful to clients and contractors as well as others such as indus-

try regulators, environmentalists, and government officials. This book enables

those in the field of transmission and distribution electrical engineering to

have a well-founded understanding of the key principles, the methodologies,

and the current best practice to be implemented.

Peter Black

Director

Mott MacDonald Limited

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