NEXANS : technical conference presents a new start for overhead power lines

Paris, December 9, 2013 - Overhead power lines are enjoying a "new start" thanks to recent innovations in design and materials technology that enables them to work both smarter and harder. That was the key message to emerge from today's technical conference organized by Nexans to review how new technologies can address the global challenge of delivering more electrical power to support economic growth, especially in large urban areas.

Over 120 key stakeholders in electrical infrastructure systems, including utility companies, equipment manufacturers, consultants, academics and administrators were gathered at Paris' Musée des arts et métiers to learn about the state-of-the-art in overhead line technology as well as innovations currently under development. Presentations by Nexans' technical experts, as well as independent speakers, highlighted the importance of new conductor designs such as Nexans' own Lo-Sag™ ACCC (Aluminium Conductor Composite Core) construction that enable overhead lines to operate reliably at higher temperatures to carry extra power.

Roundtable sessions during the conference focused on some of the emerging challenges for overhead line infrastructure including operation at higher voltages and the trend towards the replacement of AC (alternating current) lines by HVDC (high voltage direct current) transmission.

"The availability of electricity is a key driver for economic growth worldwide. However, the construction of new power routes in regions with high population density can present major challenges, both in land and equipment costs and the extended timescales required to obtain the necessary permits and rights of way. But as we have seen today, innovations in overhead line design offer exciting alternative approaches that enable more power to be delivered via existing routes", said Jean-Maxime Saugrain, Corporate Vice President Technical, Nexans. "Furthermore, when you consider that the new technology also offers increased reliability and availability, then we really are seeing a new start for overhead lines".