From Sky to Earth – The Unexpected Complexity of Converting Overhead Lines to Underground Cables: Part 2

The live presentation of this event has already taken place.

Please view the PDF slides here or watch the video recording below:

Emeritus Professor Akhtar Kalam’s Electrifying Mysteries

This webinar series provides a structured examination of real-world engineering challenges. Each session will address specific, technically focused topics relevant to professional engineers.

Webinar details

The shift from overhead transmission to underground cabling is often perceived as a straightforward modernisation project, yet the reality is far from simple. This two-part session unpacks the multifaceted engineering challenges encountered when converting existing overhead lines into underground systems. Participants will explore technical, operational, and environmental aspects, including thermal constraints, insulation coordination, fault management, and grounding complexities. Drawing on real-world field cases, the webinar reveals hidden interactions between cable systems and network protection schemes that often surprise even seasoned engineers.

• The webinar will be recorded and will be sent out to registered attendees afterwards.
• A certificate of attendance will be provided to attendees who request one near the end of the live webinar session.
• Please note: the time stated on this event is in UTC. You will need to convert this to your own time zone.

Key takeaways from this webinar

• Understand the key electrical, mechanical, and environmental factors influencing the design and operation of underground cable systems.
• Evaluate the impact of transitioning from overhead to underground networks on system reliability, fault performance, and maintenance strategies.
• Analyze case-based failures to identify how soil thermal resistivity, sheath bonding, and transient overvoltage affect performance.
• Appreciate the broader planning and cost implications of cable conversion projects in modern smart grids.

Related courses

This webinar/topic relates to our school of Electrical Engineering and is particularly found in the following courses:

• 52883WA Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering (Electrical Systems)
• Online – Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering)
• Undergraduate Certificate in Electrical Engineering
• Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Fundamentals for Non-Electrical Engineers 
• 52888WA Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering (Power Industry)

To learn more about tuition fees, please click here.

About the presenter

Emeritus Professor Akhtar Kalam

BSc, BScEng, MS, PhD, FIET, CEng, FAIE, FIEAust, CPEng, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE(Aus), PEV, MCIGRE, Life Senior Member of IEEE.

Professor Akhtar Kalam is a supervisor of EIT’s Doctoral students. He has worked at Victoria University since 1984 and recently associated with the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities. He is the Editor in Chief of Australian Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering. Further, he has Distinguished Professorship position in many national and international institutions. He has been recognized internationally and nationally for his research. He is regularly invited to deliver lectures, work on industrial projects, and examine external theses overseas. Professor Kalam is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Victoria (PEV), Fellow of EA, IET, AIE, a life Senior Member of IEEE, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE (Aus) and a member of CIGRE AP B5 Study Committee.