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Analysis of Development Status of Energy-saving Leads for Special Cables
As the national power grid continues to expand at an accelerated pace, China has placed significant emphasis on modernizing its energy infrastructure to meet growing electricity demands. To support this goal, a series of policies have been introduced to promote the development of more efficient and sustainable power systems. Zhang Ziyin, deputy director of the Design Information Company at the State Grid Economic and Technical Research Institute, highlighted that "the focus of power grid construction is now on energy efficiency, and energy-efficient conductors like medium-strength aluminum alloy wires show great potential for future applications."
Since 2009, the State Grid Corporation of China has actively promoted the “two types of three new†strategy—resource-saving, environment-friendly technologies, materials, and processes. This initiative aims to optimize corridor space, enhance transmission capacity, reduce overall costs, and accelerate the adoption of energy-saving conductors.
In recent years, the pilot projects for energy-saving conductors have gained momentum across the country. According to reports, the National Grid plans to fully implement energy-saving wires by 2014, with an aim to replace traditional ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables as soon as possible. The increasing demand for these advanced conductors has been driven by the successful implementation of pilot projects by the State Grid Corporation.
By 2012, the State Grid had already begun testing energy-saving conductors such as medium-strength all-aluminum stranded wires, achieving significant benefits. In 2013, the company conducted extensive trials, focusing on production capacity, quality control, and real-world performance in high-load transmission lines, while strengthening the quality assurance system for these conductors.
A notable milestone was reached in October 2013 when Ningxia Power Grid completed the installation of the first energy-saving conductor line—the Henong Baofeng 110 kV line. This marked the official operation of the first such project in the northwest region, using medium-strength aluminum alloy strands, which offer higher conductivity, lower resistance, and better corrosion resistance compared to traditional steel-reinforced conductors.
Currently, most transmission lines in China still use ACSR with 53% conductivity. Energy-saving conductors, however, offer up to 5.5% higher conductivity, greater transmission capacity, lower losses, and reduced costs. With nationwide power transmission and distribution losses amounting to 171 billion kWh annually—equivalent to 59.85 million tons of standard coal—widespread adoption of energy-saving technology could save over 1 billion kWh and 36 million tons of coal per year if just 20% of lines are upgraded.
These conductors are made using advanced manufacturing techniques that improve creep resistance, eliminate hysteresis and eddy current losses, and prevent electrochemical corrosion between different materials. They also serve both as conductive and structural elements, eliminating the need for steel cores and reducing material usage.
The advantages of energy-saving wires are clear: longer service life, increased transmission capacity (5–10%), higher current capacity (about 5%), and cost savings of around 3,000 yuan per ton. Several major cable manufacturers in China have mastered the core technologies required for producing these wires, but market adoption remains limited.
Industry stakeholders hope for stronger policy support to expand trial programs and encourage innovation. Companies must also invest in research and quality control to build long-term competitiveness. Despite being in the early stages, progress is evident, with one Chinese cable plant recently achieving a breakthrough in energy-saving wire sales.
TBEA Xinjiang New Cable Factory has been at the forefront of R&D, developing a full range of energy-saving conductors that have passed rigorous evaluations and reached domestic industry standards. Their products have already won bids in State Grid tenders, marking a key step toward replacing imported alternatives and expanding into international markets.
As the industry grows, companies must focus on building core strengths rather than chasing rapid expansion. By prioritizing quality, innovation, and brand reputation, they can ensure sustainable growth and resilience in the face of challenges.
With the continued promotion of energy-saving conductors in regions like Jiangxi, Hunan, and Ningxia, and the growing R&D efforts by Chinese cable firms, the future of power transmission looks increasingly promising. These conductors offer material savings, lightweight design, corrosion resistance, and longevity—positioning them as the next generation of power grid solutions. As China’s energy infrastructure evolves, energy-saving wires will play a vital role in driving efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth.