Imagine that in a few years, the cables we are used to, which stretch power lines across cities and regions, will begin to be made from a different material. Sounds like a technical trifle? In fact, this could become a point of tectonic shift for the entire cable industry.
Currently in Russia, for medium and high voltage cables, either paper-insulated, oil-impregnated (PILC) insulation or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is used. But, judging by recent research and the experience of Chinese colleagues, a new favorite is looming on the horizon — polypropylene (PP). And if it really does replace conventional materials, the balance of power among manufacturers could change dramatically.
On March 12, at the Second Russian-Chinese Scientific and Technical Conference on the Cable Industry, which brought together about 200 delegates, a separate report was dedicated to this topic — “Application of insulation and shielding materials based on polypropylene in medium and high voltage cables.” Experts are seriously discussing: to what extent can polypropylene replace cross-linked polyethylene?
Why is this even important? Changing the materials science base is not just replacing one raw material with another. It is an opportunity for new players to break into the market and a risk for old-timers to lose their positions. Whoever masters the technology first and offers reliable cable systems based on polypropylene could gain a serious advantage.
However, one should not expect rapid changes. Major consumers, such as Rosseti, are slow to change standards. According to expert estimates, the market has at least another five to seven years before cables with polypropylene insulation really begin to be widely incorporated into projects. So there is time to prepare — for both manufacturers and customers. The only question is who will be the first to make the right bet.
