Copper Conductor Thefts of Earthing Systems of High Voltage Transmission Lines: A Case Study in Halfaya Oil Field

The main target for any power system is to generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power safely and reliably. The earthing system is one of the most essential foundations of a safe and reliable electric grid. Earthing system provides a safe path to earth for electric currents in the event of hazardous faults and transient events such as earth faults and lightning strikes. In addition, the earthing system is designed to discharge any static charges to safeguard the personnel and society. Without an effective earthing system, a considerable amount of electric energy may flow through equipment, structures, and wires, which can cause excessive damage to equipment and pose hazardous risks to society. Earthing conductors are usually made from copper due to their high electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and high corrosion-resistance performance. Due to the upsurge in copper prices worldwide, copper conductors are highly attractive to thieves worldwide due to their high scrap value. Consequently, copper theft from earthing systems has become a significant problem for electrical utilities, especially in developing countries where local regulations and security procedures are less effective. For electrical system operators, earthing conductor theft causes numerous negative impacts on the electrical operators and society, such as increased life threats to electrical operators and surrounding society, equipment damage, and costly repairs. In this paper, PetroChina International FZE Iraq Branch's experiences and lessons learned are explored through an actual case study in the Halfaya Oil field in Iraq to handle the problem of repetitive theft of overhead transmission line earthing copper conductors. Various proposed solutions are investigated, showing the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. Then, the optimal techno-economic solution is presented. Finally, technical and economic comparisons of the explored options are presented.