How about using optical fiber cables as ground wires

Optical fiber cables, when used as Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), serve both as grounding conductors and high-speed communication channels in overhead power lines.

Dual Functionality of OPGW

Grounding and Lightning Protection: OPGW cables are installed at the top of high-voltage transmission lines, where the conductive outer layers of the cable bond towers to earth ground. This provides a path for lightning strikes and fault currents, protecting the power system and shielding the main conductors from electrical surges . Telecommunications: Inside the OPGW cable, optical fibers are embedded within a metal tube and insulated from electrical currents. These fibers allow high-speed data transmission for utility monitoring, control, and communication, or can be leased for commercial data services. The fibers are immune to electrical noise, crosstalk, and induction from the power lines .

Structural Design

OPGW cables consist of several layers:

• Optical fibers in a central tube for data transmission.
• Fiber filling compound to cushion fibers and prevent water ingress.
• Stranded metal wires (aluminum-clad steel or galvanized steel) surrounding the core, providing mechanical strength and electrical conductivity for grounding.
• Outer protective sheath (PE or PVC) to resist environmental factors like UV radiation, moisture, and abrasion . This design ensures that the cable can handle mechanical stresses from wind, ice, and tension while maintaining electrical and optical performance.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation is critical for OPGW functionality:

• Route and tower planning: Ensure structural support and correct placement of splicing boxes.
• Tension and sag adjustment: Maintain mechanical integrity and prevent fiber damage.
• Clamping: Use suspension clamps for straight spans and angle clamps for terminal or angled towers.
• Splicing: Fusion splicing is used to join optical fibers at connection points .

Advantages

• Combines grounding and communication in a single cable, reducing infrastructure costs.
• Provides reliable lightning protection and fault current mitigation.
• Supports high-speed, long-distance data transmission for grid monitoring and control.
• Durable and resistant to harsh environmental conditions, with a service life of 25–30 years . In summary, OPGW cables allow optical fibers to function safely as part of a grounded overhead power line, providing both electrical protection and high-speed communication, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution for modern power transmission networks .