The 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.