1. Technological Breakthrough: Domestic Ultra-High Voltage Cable
Locally Made 500 kV AC Cable: China Electrical Equipment Group has successfully developed a 500 kV AC cable using domestically produced insulation material, marking a significant step into batch production phase and breaking the import dependence on key materials for high-end cables.
R&D Journey: The project began technical exploration in 2019. The research overcame core challenges including ensuring material stability, sustainable mass supply, and reliability in large-scale engineering applications.
Performance: The cable has passed key tests like power frequency withstand voltage and impulse voltage. It obtained national-level appraisal, reaching internationally leading levels.
2. Test Capability: DC Cable Test Platform
640 kV Test Platform: State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company's "Guojiao No.1" team has built and put into operation a 640 kV ultra-high voltage DC cable comprehensive performance test platform. This grants China independent testing capability for DC cables up to 640 kV.
Significance: This platform will strongly support the development of offshore clean energy and cross-sea power grid interconnection, laying the foundation for R&D of higher voltage level cables.
3. Market & Technology Trends
AI Reshaping Landscape & Global Market: Artificial Intelligence is enhancing operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and cable design. The global industrial cables market is projected to expand robustly at a 6.5% CAGR, reaching approximately USD 200 billion by 2032, driven by industrialization and infrastructure investments.
Innovation in Specialty Cables: Japan's Junkosha launched a self-supporting flat and high-flex cable for semiconductor manufacturing. It eliminates the need for cable guides, reducing particle generation in cleanrooms, which is crucial for manufacturing yield.
4. Quality Supervision & New Standards
Product Quality Oversight in Guangdong: Guangdong Provincial Market Supervision Administration announced results of a product quality spot check. Multiple non-conformities were found in communication cables and wires & cables. Key issues for wires and cables included conductor resistance, insulation thickness, and bundle burning performance.
New National Standard: GB/T 15934-2024 "Electrical accessories - Wire assemblies and interconnecting wire assemblies" will be implemented on October 1, 2025. It replaces and consolidates two old standards and applies to wire assemblies for household and similar equipment.
Overall, the current wire and cable industry is moving towards higher voltage levels, domestic material production, intelligent management, and strict quality supervision. These trends are crucial for grasping the future trends of the industry.
