Dimitris Makrykostas presents insights on transmission line and substation design – from theory to field practice.
SynEnergy Advisors actively participated in the 32nd Session of the Greek National Committee of CIGRE, held on 11–12 December 2025 in Athens, bringing together professionals from the electricity industry, transmission system operators, academia and engineering consultancies.
The CIGRE session is widely recognized as one of the most important scientific events in Greece in the field of Electric Power Systems, attracting hundreds of participants from both academia and industry.
The international organization CIGRE has been contributing for more than a century to the development and dissemination of technical knowledge related to large power networks and energy systems.
As part of the Next Generation Network (NGN) session, Dimitris Makrykostas, Electrical Engineer specializing in energy infrastructure projects and associate of SynEnergy Advisors, presented the paper entitled: “Design of Transmission Lines & Substations: From Theory to Field Practice.”
The presentation focused on bridging the gap between theoretical approaches to infrastructure design and the practical challenges encountered during the implementation of high-voltage energy projects.
Drawing from real project experience, the presentation highlighted critical parameters that influence the successful planning and execution of transmission infrastructure.
From engineering design to project implementation
The design of transmission lines and high-voltage substations is often presented as a purely technical process based on standards, calculations and engineering guidelines.
In practice, however, the development of energy infrastructure projects is influenced by a broader set of parameters including environmental conditions, land ownership constraints, permitting procedures and the rapidly evolving energy market.
As highlighted during the presentation, successful infrastructure design therefore requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to manage uncertainty and project risks throughout the project lifecycle.
Key parameters in transmission line design
Three major parameters were identified as particularly important in transmission line planning.
Terrain morphology and route optimization
The topography of the project area strongly affects both the technical design and the cost of transmission projects.
In mountainous regions, optimizing span lengths between towers can significantly reduce the number of structures required and therefore improve overall project efficiency.
Land ownership considerations
While transmission routes may appear straightforward on engineering drawings, each land parcel crossed by the line may represent a potential source of delay due to negotiations, permitting issues or legal constraints.
The evolving renewable energy landscape
The rapid deployment of renewable energy projects creates a dynamic spatial environment.
Areas initially available for transmission corridors may later become occupied by photovoltaic installations or other energy developments, requiring planners to anticipate these changes during the early design stages.
Key factors in high-voltage substation planning
The design of high-voltage substations is influenced by several technical and spatial parameters, including:
- proximity to the grid connection point
- terrain morphology and available land area
- permitting and licensing procedures
- integration with transmission line infrastructure
An integrated design approach – considering transmission lines and substations as part of a unified system – can lead to more efficient technical solutions and reduced impact on existing infrastructure.
The importance of the Next Generation Network (NGN)
CIGRE’s Next Generation Network (NGN) initiative aims to support young engineers and students entering the energy sector by providing opportunities for technical development, networking and participation in international working groups.
Through technical events and knowledge exchange, NGN helps connect the next generation of engineers with experienced professionals and global developments in power system engineering.
Supporting the future of power infrastructure
SynEnergy Advisors’ participation in the CIGRE Greece Session reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to technical excellence, knowledge sharing and active engagement with the energy engineering community.
At a time when electricity systems are rapidly evolving due to the energy transition and the expansion of renewable energy, collaboration between academia, system operators and engineering professionals remains essential for designing resilient and reliable power infrastructure.
