1. Technological Breakthrough: Domestic 500 kV AC Cable
China has achieved a significant milestone in high-voltage cable technology. China Electrical Equipment Group (Shandong Power Equipment Chongqing Taishan) has successfully developed a 500 kV AC cable using domestically produced insulation material, which is now entering batch production. This breakthrough ends China's reliance on imported materials for ultra-high voltage cables.
The project began technical exploration in 2019, overcoming challenges in material stability and large-scale production. The cable has passed all key tests including power frequency withstand voltage and impulse voltage tests, receiving national certification that it has reached internationally leading levels.
2. Market Investment: Green Cable Project
Xinya Cable announced plans to invest approximately RMB 298 million to establish a green and environmentally friendly cable industrial project in Qingcheng District, Qingyuan City. The project will cover about 27,000 square meters and focus on producing 35 kV and below wires and cables along with special cables.
3. Industry Regulation: Crackdown on Substandard Products
The Market Supervision and Management Department of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region exposed and penalized five cases involving the production and sale of substandard wires and cables in October 2024. These cases included:
- Sales of wire and cable products that failed to meet national standards
- Products without mandatory CCC certification
One distributor in Yongning County received an administrative fine of **RMB 300,000** for selling substandard products, highlighting increased regulatory scrutiny in the industry.
4. Global Market Trends
The global wire and cable market continues to show steady growth with significant geographical shifts:
- The market reached $267.8 billion in 2024, representing 11.4% year-on-year growth
- Asia-Pacific has become the largest regional market, accounting for 45% of global share
- Key growth drivers include:
- Grid modernization projects
- Renewable energy development
- Data center construction
- Infrastructure projects under initiatives like the Belt and Road
European and North American markets are being driven by offshore wind power, green energy transition, and aging grid upgrades respectively.
5. Quality Supervision
Regulatory authorities across China are strengthening quality supervision in the wire and cable sector. Recent inspections have focused on:
- Compliance with national standards
- Mandatory certification requirements
- Product safety and performance
The cases in Ningxia demonstrate the authorities' commitment to eliminating substandard products from the market and protecting consumer interests.
Industry Outlook
The wire and cable industry is evolving toward:
Higher voltage capacity and technological sophistication
Green and sustainable manufacturing processes
Stricter quality control and regulatory compliance
Global market integration with Asian manufacturers playing increasingly important roles
These developments indicate a healthy, technology-driven evolution of the industry worldwide, with particular momentum in the Asian market where both technological innovation and manufacturing capacity are rapidly advancing.
