How innovation will modernize Africa’s electrical grid

To replace fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil, etc.) in the global energy mix, decarbonized electricity is the only solution. Alongside nuclear power, which is available in certain countries, new capacities in renewable energies (solar, wind, hydropower, etc.) must be deployed rapidly and extensively.

In Africa, where electrification remains limited, the challenge is even more formidable. Despite its immense renewable energy potential, the continent currently contributes minimally to the global electricity mix. In 2019, only 2% of new capacity came from Africa, even though its energy demand is expected to double by 2040.

To address this, the local production of essential equipment and innovation are undoubtedly key to accelerating Africa’s energy transition and maximizing its potential. These advances will enable the development and modernization of electrical networks, making them stronger and more efficient.

Africa faces a significant industrial challenge.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), electricity is expected to reach 50% of final global energy consumption by 2050. Renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydropower) is anticipated to account for 80% of new capacity by 2040.

Like other regions, Africa must innovate to achieve its energy transition, yet it must first expand its local industry. Doing so will enable the establishment of new ecosystems vital for this transition (creation of specialized companies, partnerships, skill-building, development of new trades, etc.). The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes, for example, that although Africa has the world’s largest solar resources, it currently holds just 1% of installed solar capacity.

Building high-capacity power networks with superconducting cables

To electrify Africa and accelerate renewable energy production, networks must increase their power capacity, requiring the development of innovative cables. Superconducting cables, for example, can transport large amounts of energy to urban areas while minimizing costs and interference with other networks (due to cable shielding). Their high capacities and efficiency represent a major technological leap compared to traditional copper and aluminum cables. Medium-voltage cables are also essential to Africa’s transition, supplying electricity to industrial plants, hospitals, schools, and shopping centers.

Enhancing network reliability

Africa’s existing networks, like those worldwide, are often decades old. This can create challenges in terms of maintenance, resilience to climate events, and fire risk. Older infrastructure can also complicate the integration of new renewable capacities. To extend their lifespan and improve reliability, networks must be modernized or even transformed, requiring collaboration with energy producers and network operators who play a vital role in maintaining infrastructure.

Respecting the environment and reducing carbon impact

Projects must adopt environmental standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the ecological impact of the energy transition. This necessitates collaboration with qualified companies (in circular economy practices, eco-design, etc.) and the establishment of stringent project criteria, including environmental standards in calls for tenders.

In Morocco, a third Nexans plant will be inaugurated by 2026 to support innovation.

Achieving these goals demands innovative, market-adapted solutions. To this end, Africa must develop its industrial base and R&D, particularly in electric cables, photovoltaic panels, inverters, smart meters, LED lighting, etc. These elements are essential for creating local supply chains, reducing costs, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions linked to imports.

To address this, Nexans has signed agreements with Moroccan government entities, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency. These agreements aim to build a medium-voltage cable factory for Morocco and the broader African market. This new facility, joining those in Casablanca and Mohammedia, will support large-scale projects with specific requirements and will be operational by 2026.

Infrastructure monitoring can save up to 20% of electricity.

To strengthen and extend the lifespan of electrical networks, Africa must also digitize numerous processes. Tools such as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are essential. Using AI, geolocation, big data, and IoT sensors, CMMS enables predictive maintenance, performance indicators, and technical team planning, helping optimize maintenance for solar plants and wind farms.

Additionally, sensors allow faster and more precise fault detection in power stations. AI can even estimate energy production based on weather forecasts. Digitalization translates into more robust, flexible infrastructure, crucial for managing electricity supply and demand (during peak usage, etc.).

Monitoring, for example, allows for accurate consumption tracking and detection of overconsumption issues. Morocco, a pioneer in this area, has improved its network efficiency and reliability through transformer and cable monitoring, which has helped cities in Africa save up to 20% of their electricity.

Reducing the time to market for innovations is crucial to meeting electrification objectives on time. Today, it can take up to ten years to test a solution and bring it to market, which is far too long. Cutting down on this timeline is essential.

Joint programs with industry partners, startups, and universities are vital for this, fostering R&D and synergy for tailored solutions and training programs.

Nexans has oriented its innovation policy toward grid resilience, sustainable electrification, and advanced grid digitalization. To speed up time-to-market, Nexans has established a Design Lab in Casablanca, Morocco, in collaboration with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and Casablanca schools. Specializing in monitoring, digitalization, and renewable energy, the lab analyzes user needs to deliver tailored solutions quickly.

This strategy allowed Nexans Morocco to launch a new offering for smart and microgrids, assisting partners from study to production, while ensuring team training and equipment maintenance.

Industrial expansion and R&D alone are not enough for Africa’s energy transition. Training and education are also crucial for fostering best practices and developing local skills and jobs.

Nexans has forged strategic partnerships in Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Morocco stands out, offering several training centers for electricians and installers through Nexans Morocco (in collaboration with UM6P, École Centrale de Casablanca, IECD, and the Settat Innovation City).

Concrete initiatives have emerged across the continent, including the electrification of six hospitals in Beni, DRC, the installation of solar systems in six high schools, and the creation of a photovoltaic maintenance MOOC in Madagascar, supported by the Nexans Foundation.

Africa’s sustainable electrification and energy transition face major challenges:

• R&D
• Grid development, security, and modernization
• Eco-friendly processes
• Reliable, sustainable infrastructure

The solutions:

• Digitalization: key to improving energy efficiency
• Innovation: must be a local, collaborative effort
• Professional training and public awareness: essential for achieving goals on time

Africa is caught in a paradox: it emits only a tiny proportion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but suffers disproportionately from the consequences. And while demand for electricity is currently low, it is set to grow exponentially across the continent.

At the same time, global GHG emissions totaled 57.4 gigatons (CO2 equivalent) in 2022. According to the United Nations Environment Program, this is an increase of 62% over1990.

The need to develop sustainable electrification in Africa is therefore clear. Some countries, such as Morocco, Niger and Benin, have already committed to ambitious targets, particularly in renewable energies, but the process will require a collective effort on a scale never seen to date.

The challenges of sustainable electrification in Africa

An inevitable increase in demand

Electricity demand in Africa could reach nearly 2,400 TWh by 2040

The African continent is experiencing strong demographic growth. This trend is set to continue, alongside improvements in average living standards and faster development of industry, trade and agriculture. All these factors will drive higher demand for electricity over the next few years.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity consumption in Africa currently totals  around 730 TWh, barely more than a country such as Germany. This underlines the paradox of the African continent. Despite making only a tiny contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, it is more vulnerable than any other region to the effects of global warming (droughts, floods, impact on water and agriculture, etc.). More than any other region, Africa needs to satisfy the huge demand for electricity in order to unlock its economic potential and improve living conditions in some regions. This will involve deploying agricultural greenhouses and desalination plants such as the facility in Casablanca, Morocco.

Africa is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which currently make up 80% of its electricity mix. This type of fuel is cheaper and historically more accessible than clean energies. To achieve sustainable electrification, it will be necessary to gradually phase out the old polluting power plants with renewable alternatives.

Demand for electricity was expected to bounce back by 3% in 2023 (after a slight decrease), rising by 4.5% in 2024 and 2025. However, a more substantial increase in demand is expected over the long term. One of the IEA scenarios forecasts a rise to 2,400 TWh across the continent by 2040!

Global demand for electricity is set to increase by more than 40% over the next 20 years

Factors such as population growth, urbanization, industrial expansion and global warming are automatically translating into higher electricity demand. According to IEA figures, global consumption already totaled 24,398 TWh in 2022, a threefold increase on 8,132 TWh in 1981. And this figure is unlikely to fall any time soon! The World Energy Council expects consumption to exceed 40,000 TWh per year in 2040, a leap of over 40%.

The facts set out by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) are nevertheless clear: to limit global warming to 1.5°C, we have no choice but to cut annual emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by around 37 gigatons compared to 2022 ! In addition, the energy sector must achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The solution lies in making the transition from fossil fuels to decarbonized electricity. However, we will need to deploy 1,000 GW of renewable energies (solar, wind or hydropower) every year to meet this target. Yet new facilities supplied only an additional 300 GW in 2022, which is not sufficient to keep pace with growing demand.

Why do we need better access to energy?

Africa is the least electrified continent. To fully understand the situation, we need to remember that some 43% of the African population still has no access to electricity in the home. Although figures vary from country to country, and from region to region within the same country, this figure still represents over 600 million people across the continent. This situation naturally has an impact on the population (in terms of health, education and economic development, for example). According to the World Bank, new connections are no longer keeping pace with population growth, owing primarily to an increase in prices of raw materials.

Other obstacles include outdated energy production facilities and a lack of transmission and distribution infrastructure. Economic development and digital inclusion are severely impacted by the frequent failures of the existing system and the instability of the network. According to IRENA, 41 % of companies are experiencing supply problems, causing an estimated 2% fall in Africa’s GDP.

How can we make electricity accessible and affordable?

In order to supply power at the right price while supporting economic development, it will be necessary to focus on innovation and the training of qualified personnel. We need to de-risk investment, reinforce and modernize equipment and network infrastructure, facilitate installation and maintenance, develop eco-design and recycling, introduce new payment models, and so on.

As part of this, it is essential to secure supplies in sectors such as transport, industry and construction. How? By installing high-power cables. Superconducting cables, for example, can transport large quantities of energy whenever and wherever required, usually in large cities and conurbations.

Achieving sustainable electrification will involve not only developing renewable sources and resilient networks, but also optimizing usage through energy-efficient buildings and equipment. This will mean setting energy performance targets and implementing measures to achieve them (insulating walls and roofs, integrating smart management systems,  monitoring energy usage, etc.). For Africa, these improvements are essential. The energy savings obtained will reduce the price per kWh while limiting the growing demand for electricity (by 230 TWh in 2030 according to the IEA, or 30% of current consumption levels).

Collaborative projects to develop electrification

To meet these challenges, Africa has a huge asset: a renewable energy potential that is far greater than anywhere else in the world. According to a report by Deloitte, this potential amounted to 10 TW of solar capacity, 110 GW of wind and 35 GW of hydro in 2023. However, it is still largely under-exploited. Only 2.7 GW of renewables were added to the total in Africa in 2023, for a global total of 473 GW. By way of comparison, China has deployed no less than 297.6 GW, or almost 63% of the total. In late 2023, Africa’s installed capacity stood at 13.47 GW for solar power, 8.6 GW for wind and 37.82 GW for renewable hydro, making up only a tiny proportion of the global base, estimated at 1,419 GW for solar power, for example.

IEA forecasts for the African energy market expect the situation to change rapidly, with most new energy sources being renewable by 2025. Sustainable electricity generation is expected to follow a similar trend, increasing by more than 60 TWh. It would then account for almost 30% of total electricity generation, compared with 21% in 2021.

Ambitious targets for sustainable electrification

Several countries are already engaged in this dynamic and are implementing proactive policies, leading the way for the rest of the continent. With nearly 4.6 GW of installed renewable capacity, Morocco has announced the deployment of a further 7.5 GW as part of its 2023-2027 electricity equipment plan. The proportion of renewables in the electricity mix is set to rise to 52% by 2030.

Another example is Niger, which has set an ambitious electrification target for 2018 with the signing of the Document de politique nationale d’électricité (document on national electricity policy) and the Stratégie nationale de l’accès à l’électricité (national strategy for electricity access). Eighty percent of the population should have access to electricity by 2035!

Achieving these objectives will require a particularly high levels of investment. A number of solutions exist to facilitate this process:

• Reinforcing or updating rules and legislation (introduction of government subsidies for local players, for example).
• Facilitating outside support, primarily through the implementation of results-based programs. For example, the World Bank provides Program-for-results financing, in which the disbursement of funds is linked directly to the achievement and verification of specific program results, set out before the contract is signed.
• Implementing power systems combining several technologies (floating photovoltaics, pumped storage, etc.) with off-grid systems backed by renewable mini-grids.
• Creating new business models and expanding development partnerships.

Among the existing initiatives, we should mention Nexans Morocco, which is supplying turnkey cable systems for photovoltaic panels. This reduces the total cost of ownership of solar power plants and cuts the time required for installation, thereby limiting the investment required.

Partnerships: the cornerstone of the energy transition in Africa

To meet both financing and innovation needs, it will also be necessary to set up strategic collaborations between government bodies, businesses and associations.

Let’s take the example of an ambitious project such as Mission 300. Supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, its purpose is to provide access to electricity for 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. For the moment, however, total contributions stand at 30 billion dollars, far short of the 90 billion required.

In Africa, where Nexans has been present since 1947, this strategy is supported by Nexans Morocco. The company has already forged several partnerships and launched collaborative projects, and is playing a key role in the electrification of Africa.

In particular, Nexans Morocco has set up metal crushing and separation facilities with local companies. Through this initiative, it is able to recycle 83% of production waste. It has also launched several initiatives including the Nexans Climate Challenge. This event recognizes and rewards the projects that are most promising from a socio-environmental standpoint, allowing the ecosystem to work with start-ups. The winners of the 2023 edition included MAG Power, a project for mobile power stations using lithium batteries charged by renewable energies and fully recyclable.

The Nexans Foundation is also involved in a number of collaborative projects in Africa, such as training young people in electrical trades through the organizations IECD and ACCESMAD, installing solar panels in health centers in Côte d’Ivoire, and connecting hospitals to the grid in the DRC.

Sustainable electrification is undeniably a key pillar of the energy transition in Africa. It simultaneously addresses the three crucial challenges of energy access, energy efficiency and cost control. Faced with a steadily growing demand for electricity, Africa needs to address the challenge of supplying clean, affordable energy that is accessible to everybody.

Collaborative projects are playing a decisive role, supported by innovative financing and strategic partnerships. Public, private and international players can join forces to make sustainable electrification a reality in Africa, enabling the continent to meet its energy needs, and also to position itself on the front line of the fight against climate change, the impact of which is felt more acutely here than anywhere else in the world.

Digital solutions are at the heart of this transformation, offering new ways to personalize services, deliver real-time support, and build long-lasting trust. The question is no longer, “What can we provide?” but, “How can we elevate the entire customer experience?” From AI-powered chatbots to data-driven insights and omnichannel experiences, the future of customer service is digital—and it’s already here.

Digital solutions are reshaping customer interactions, making personalization, real-time support, and transparency the new standard in electrification too.

The Electrification Customer of the Future Is Already Here

Today’s electrification customers demand immediacy, personalization, and transparency. Companies are responding with digital channels that offer real-time communication and tailored support. Tools like live chats, interactive demos, and data-driven insights help businesses anticipate customer needs and provide customized solutions.

Digital technologies are now essential for building strong relationships. By leveraging real-time data and analytics, companies can offer relevant solutions, increase engagement, and foster trust—turning routine interactions into meaningful, personalized experiences that drive loyalty.

5 Ways Digital Innovations Are Transforming Customer Journeys

The impact of digital technologies on the B2B electrification space cannot be overstated. These innovations are not just enhancing the customer journey—they are transforming it entirely. Let’s break down some of the most impactful changes:

1. Enhanced Content: Today’s customers are hungry for information, but they don’t want to be overwhelmed with technical jargon. Digital innovations like explainer videos, case studies, and webinars are helping companies present complex ideas in easily digestible formats. These tools provide valuable insights while simplifying decision-making, allowing customers to feel confident in their choices.
2. Omnichannel Experience: Gone are the days when customer interactions were confined to one or two platforms. Now, customers expect a seamless journey across multiple touchpoints—whether it’s through websites, mobile apps, social media, or even in-person interactions. The challenge for companies is to ensure that these touchpoints are not just consistent but interconnected, allowing customers to transition smoothly from one platform to the next without losing context.
3. Data Analytics and Personalization: Data is at the heart of digital transformation. Customer data allows businesses to craft personalized experiences tailored to individual needs. In the electrification industry, this could mean recommending specific sustainable solutions based on a company’s past energy usage patterns or offering tailored reports that highlight opportunities for improving efficiency. By using data insights to deliver relevant, personalized content, companies can strengthen their relationships with customers and improve engagement.
4. Real-Time Interactivity: Real-time support is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Live chats, interactive demos, and virtual consultations are becoming essential tools in the customer service arsenal. These real-time solutions not only build trust but also speed up the decision-making process. In the electrification industry, where the stakes are high, this ability to offer immediate support and guidance is invaluable.
5. Transparency Through Blockchain: Digital technologies like blockchain are also playing a critical role in enhancing trust. Customers want to know that the products they are buying are authentic and sustainable. Blockchain can offer a transparent, traceable record of a product’s lifecycle—from raw material extraction to final delivery. This level of transparency is particularly valuable in industries like electrification, where sustainability and regulatory compliance are top priorities.

Overcoming Electrification Challenges with Digital Solutions

Digital tools in electrification go beyond enhancing customer experience; they tackle key industry challenges like resource scarcity, sustainability mandates, and operational efficiency.

Here’s how:

Revolutionizing Electrification Through Digital Innovation

The electrification industry is at a pivotal moment. As digital technologies continue to evolve, they offer immense potential for transforming how businesses interact with their customers, how they manage resources, and how they address the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

From personalized customer journeys to blockchain-powered transparency, digital tools are reshaping every aspect of the electrification landscape. As we look ahead, the question isn’t whether digital technologies will continue to play a role—they already are.

The real question is how businesses can harness these innovations to stay ahead of the curve, meet evolving customer expectations, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Blockchain’s broad impact: A new era of certification

Blockchain’s unique structure allows it to certify and trace products with unparalleled accuracy, making it a game-changer across multiple sectors:

• Pharmaceuticals: Combating counterfeit drugs, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations like the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).
• Food safety: Enhancing safety through transparent data sharing, rapid identification of contamination sources, protecting consumers and brands.
• Luxury goods: Protecting against counterfeiting, preserving brand value, providing consumers with confidence in the authenticity of high-end items.
• Aerospace: Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, reducing the risk of accidents and equipment failures.
• Energy: Promoting sustainable practices by tracking renewable energy certification, supporting initiatives to reduce carbon footprints.
• Agriculture: Verifying product standards and traceability, improving transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
• Manufacturing and electronics: Ensuring ethical sourcing, promoting responsible practices, avoiding conflict-ridden regions.

Blockchain is deeply transforming industries by providing enhanced trust, transparency, and safety.

How Nexans will leverage blockchain: A 5-year projection

Nexans is expecting to develop an anti-counterfeiting system and enhance safety and trust across the supply chain thanks to blockchain in the next few years.

Here’s how:

• Registering and encrypting certificates at each stage of a cable’s life cycle—from production to installation: These certificates would be recorded directly on the production chain, ensuring that every key event—whether a sale, change of ownership, or installation—is tracked on a secure, tamper-proof ledger.
• Preventing counterfeit products from entering the supply chain: They can lead to dangerous situations, such as electrical fires or system failures, due to substandard materials and manufacturing. Blockchain solution would help mitigate these risks, protecting both infrastructure and human lives.
• Collaborating with industry partners to drive blockchain innovation further: By partnering with other leaders in electrification and blockchain development, Nexans will contribute to the advancement of safer, more transparent supply chains. As this technology evolves, the company will continue to future-proof its operations, ensuring that blockchain becomes a central part of its strategy for years to come.

Blockchain: A must-have for the electrification industry

Blockchain’s role in certification and traceability extends far beyond its origins in cryptocurrency. Its ability to provide secure, transparent records is revolutionizing industries from pharmaceuticals to agriculture—and electrification is no exception. As Nexans’ anti-counterfeiting system shows, blockchain is enhancing product safety, quality, and transparency across the electrification sector, setting new standards for trust and accountability.

As we look ahead, the electrification industry’s adoption of blockchain will likely expand, ensuring that products and processes remain secure, reliable, and sustainable in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Here are two ways AI is a game-changer in this field.

AI in R&D

Generative AI is transforming how manufacturers design electrification products, rapidly analyzing millions of variables to identify optimal solutions that would take humans years to discover.

For example, companies are using AI to design cables with enhanced fire resistance, flexibility, and recyclability, all of which are essential for the energy transition.

By 2028, the demand for product innovation is expected to drive 50% of major manufacturers to leverage generative AI to analyze engineering archives and uncover new opportunities for existing innovations.

Revolutionizing product development

In another industry, Decathlon uses generative AI in combination with CAD software to introduce eco-design into their bicycle production process.

In the electrification sector, AI could also accelerate the development of sustainable, cost-effective products.

By driving AI-powered innovation, companies can create products that not only meet today’s demands but are also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

AI is also expecting to play a crucial role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports electrification. The industry depends on vast networks of complex systems—like smart grids, wind turbines, and solar farms—where any malfunction could disrupt energy supply.

Here’s how:

Predictive maintenance in action

By analyzing real-time data from sensors embedded in equipment, AI can predict when machines are likely to fail, reducing downtime and avoiding costly breakdowns.

• Data-driven insights: AI learns from maintenance logs, sensor data, and historical failures to recommend proactive maintenance measures.
• Cost savings: AI-driven maintenance can cut costs by 10-40% and reduce breakdowns by 50%.
• Extending equipment life: AI can considerably extend machinery life, reducing the need for expensive replacements.

Optimizing smart grids

Beyond individual machines, AI optimizes energy grids by managing power flow and detecting faults before they disrupt service. AI can forecast grid demand based on weather patterns, cable conditions, and energy consumption, ensuring efficient power distribution.

For example, the American manufacturing industry generates a staggering 1,812 petabytes of data annually, much of which is essential for running predictive maintenance on critical infrastructure.

Imagine a power grid that predicts an issue with a cable or turbine days in advance. With AI, this kind of predictive power is becoming a reality, ensuring more reliable energy systems.

In electrification plants and factories, high-voltage cables, heavy machinery, and complex workflows can make the environment hazardous if rigorous safety protocols aren’t followed. AI is helping protect workers by identifying risks before they lead to accidents.

Here’s AI’s role in worker safety:

• Incident reporting and analysis: AI analyzes past incidents to detect patterns, allowing companies to identify potential hazards before they cause harm.
• Multilingual capabilities: For global companies, AI can translate safety reports across multiple languages, ensuring consistency in safety practices.
• AI-driven safety simulations: AI can simulate dangerous scenarios—such as electrical fires or equipment malfunctions—to test the resilience of safety protocols in real time.

Factories that use AI to enhance safety protocols have seen 15-20% fewer accidents, as AI systems detect risks that might go unnoticed by human operators. By predicting and mitigating risks, AI plays a vital role in keeping employees safe in hazardous environments.

To effectively sway decisions towards our electrification solutions, crafting compelling content that resonates with the audience’s expectations and level of understanding is imperative.

AI is revolutionizing how companies communicate complex ideas in several ways:

Personalized marketing with AI

AI enables companies to craft messages that resonate with diverse global audiences. It tailors marketing strategies to local regulations, cultural nuances, and even customer preferences.

• Localized content creation: Generative AI produces marketing content adapted for different markets, ensuring compliance with local laws and cultural preferences.
• Real-time adaptation: AI updates marketing messages in real time, ensuring they remain relevant as market conditions change.

Engaging global audiences

Imagine launching a global electrification campaign where AI ensures that the messaging resonates as well in Japan as it does in Spain, while staying true to the company’s values. Nexans, for example, uses AI to create personalized content that speaks directly to customers’ needs in various countries.

Data quality: the foundation for AI-driven success

To effectively sway decisions towards our electrification solutions, crafting compelling content that resonates with the audience’s expectations and level of understanding is imperative.

At the heart of every AI application lies one critical factor: data. AI systems can only be as good as the data they process. In an industry that generates millions of data points across its operations—from customer interactions to equipment performance—ensuring data quality is paramount. Without accurate, consistent, and up-to-date data, even the most advanced AI algorithms can fail.

AI tools assist in cleaning and organizing data, eliminating errors, and filling in gaps. For instance, Nexans used AI to process thousands of technical documents, which helped streamline workflows and improve decision-making across the organization.

Ensuring high-quality data is not just a best practice but a necessity for maximizing the effectiveness of AI in the electrification industry.

The human + AI partnership driving electrification

In every corner of the electrification industry—from designing fire-resistant cables to predicting power grid failures and safeguarding worker safety—AI is making significant contributions.

AI is not replacing human expertise but enhancing it. The future of electrification will be shaped by how well we integrate AI into our operations and decision-making processes.

By combining the power of AI with human ingenuity, we are on the cusp of an electrification revolution that promises a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world.

Nexans has embarked on a transformative journey, leveraging Generative AI not just as a tool for superior data quality but as a catalyst for human-AI collaboration, marking a new era of responsible data excellence. Our experience with Nexans AI has laid the groundwork for this evolution, streamlining operations and empowering our teams. As we integrate Generative AI, our focus on data quality becomes a cornerstone for innovation and efficiency.

By prioritizing data quality and integrating human oversight, we are setting new standards for data excellence. This partnership ensures that AI remains a force for good, driving innovation while upholding ethical standards and human values.

The world of electricity is about to undergo an unprecedented digital transformation similar to what industry has achieved by digitizing all its processes and supply chain in the great wave of Industry 4.0.

Traditional approaches, rooted in linear models of production, distribution, and operations like grid monitoring, are increasingly inadequate to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. These outdated methods fall short in addressing the growing complexities and challenges of modern electrification.

The future of energy management lies in data-driven, real-time monitoring solutions.

Nexans is poised to lead this transformation with cutting-edge technology that enhances grid efficiency, reduces downtime, and generates significant cost savings for utilities. Today, investing in power network monitoring is not just a smart move—it’s essential for the future of energy.

The major challenges of the energy transition are linked to the electrification of the growing demand for electricity, but it will be absolutely impossible to renew and modernize all power grids for reasons of resources, copper, aluminum and expertise. It is therefore imperative to increase the reliability and lifespan of existing grids, and this step is fundamentally linked to the digitization of the grid.

Building an ecosystem that transforms the existing cable manufacturing value chain into an intelligent, sustainable, and resilient electrification landscape is key.

One promising avenue lies in the realm of digital technologies.

A paradigm shift is actually underway. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced data analytics is reshaping the way we design, manufacture and operate the power grid. This digital revolution offers a unique opportunity to create more efficient, resilient, and sustainable systems.

Digital technologies can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality throughout the entire electrical infrastructure lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to grid operations. By leveraging data-driven insights, companies can optimize their operations, identify new opportunities, and respond more effectively to market changes.

Moreover, digital technologies are also revolutionizing the customer experience. Through personalized digital platforms, companies can provide customers with real-time information, remote support and tailored solutions. This not only enhances customers’ ability to take the right decisions, but also fosters long-term loyalty and trust.

As the electrification industry continues to evolve, the companies that embrace digital transformation will be best positioned to thrive. By harnessing the power of data, automation and connectivity, these organizations can drive innovation, improve sustainability and create a more resilient and prosperous future.

Nexans, a leader in the electrification industry, believes that digital transformation is key to unlocking a more sustainable future. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we can optimize operations, improve grid resilience, and address the energy challenges of the 21st century.

Leveraging its decades of expertise, Nexans is highlighting 5 transformative innovations that will enhance customer, partner, and employee experiences while driving the industry toward a circular economy:

From AI to blockchain, digital offers unprecedented opportunities to optimize operations, improve the reliability of electrical grids, and address the energy challenges of the 21st century. By adopting these innovations, companies in the sector can not only strengthen their competitiveness but also contribute to building a more sustainable and intelligent energy future.

Nexans, as a pioneer in the field of electrification, is leading the charge in this digital transformation. By developing innovative solutions and collaborating with key industry players, we are paving the way toward a sustainable energy future.

Nexans’ digital innovations are more than just technological advancements; they represent our unwavering commitment to a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. With each of these innovations, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of our stakeholders, but also laying the foundation for a circular economy that will benefit generations to come.

Join us on a journey into the future of electrical transmission as we explore the groundbreaking innovations that will redefine the industry.

The next time you switch on the lights, take a moment to ask yourself where the electricity comes from. You may be surprised to find that the source is hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away.

As electrical grids span greater distances across sea and land and reach impressive water depths, electricity generation is becoming more renewable and more interconnected.

But that wasn’t always the case.

Without advancements in power cable technology, transportation of energy was limited. The farther electricity traveled along a cable, the greater the loss, which made the transition to renewable energy challenging.

Today, thanks to continued advances in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, renewables are outpacing fossil fuels in the generation of electricity.

​​​​​HVDC: Powering the future of renewables

Renewable energy grids today – onshore and offshore – require transmission lines capable of transmitting larger amounts of power over longer distances, more efficiently (lower energy loss), at greater sea depths, and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

And it is a key driver in the industry’s shift to 525 kV XLPE HVDC (high-voltage direct current) cable technology for large renewable projects – especially commercial offshore wind farms.

The transition to renewable energy requires a new approach to balancing demand and supply of power. Today, the interconnection of neighboring grids is solving this problem. For example, the grid interconnection between Norway and Germany is a perfect example of balancing ​​complementary energy sources for better grid reliability.

HVDC systems make it all possible. In the future, hybrid interconnections and HVDC meshed grids between countries and offshore wind farms will be a reality.

While up-front investment costs and complexity may favor HVAC, the lower transmission loss levels, ultimate power flow control capability, and black start capability may favor the new HVDC alternative.

According to the January 2024 ENTSO-E report – Offshore Network Development Plans, European offshore network transmission infrastructure needs – 14% of the offshore renewables could be connected via dual-purpose hybrid infrastructure in Europe by 2050.

4 cutting-edge advancements in HVDC technologies

Now, let’s delve deeper into the heart of four innovations allowing long-distance connections.

Subsea 525 kV HVDC XLPE – breaking new boundaries in renewable energy

The viability of commercial renewable energy projects is reliant on robust and highly reliable 525 kV cable systems. Achieving this requires increasingly higher quality levels throughout the manufacturing and installation value chain. For cable suppliers, this has meant the expansion of manufacturing facilities, new extrusion towers, creating high-voltage labs, and building advanced cable-laying vessels.

This feat necessitates building upon existing high technology readiness level (TRL) processes and solutions and improving them. At Nexans, cable system know-how plays an integral role in expansion plans and steers the company’s quality control (OC). Examples include:

Achieving the world’s first SF₆-free accessories

In 2023, Nexans achieved the world’s first electrical Type Test on a 525 kV HVDC cable system with SF₆-free accessories. The main benefits of using SF₆-free high voltage accessories include:

• reduced environmental impact
• lower maintenance requirements
• improved reliability.

By eliminating the use of SF₆ gas, cable terminations reduce their potential greenhouse gas emission by 99% and contribute to a more sustainable power grid.

Reducing cost per megawatt

The transition to renewable energy relies on interconnected grids transmitting renewable energy across greater distances and at higher power flows. This will reduce the cost per megawatt (MW) and further advance the economic viability of large commercial projects, especially large interconnector projects.

For instance, the same transmission power could be increased in a single circuit rather than two at a lower voltage; dramatically reducing the CAPEX required for a project while having a positive sustainability impact by reducing the use of scarce materials.

Increasing cable voltage will also reduce energy wastage – the higher the transmission kV, the lower the cable conductor losses. Less energy lost to transmission means that remote renewable generation sites will be even more competitive in the future.

Power cables – the backbone of the transition to renewable energy

The transition to renewable energy is essential to reaching global climate targets. At the backbone of this transformation sits the HV power cable.

Advancements in HVDC systems capable of transmitting renewable energy at greater power levels with less loss per MW at greater distances will drive the economic viability of large-scale renewable energy projects, notably offshore wind.

In the not-too-distant future, you won’t just be driving a vehicle running on electricity when you get behind the wheel, you will be contributing to national energy production!

Or at least that’s the promise of the carmakers, who are already marketing vehicles with bidirectional charging. When you plug in your car for charging, it also becomes a power source for the grid or your home, potentially halving your electricity bill. This technology is already deployed by Tesla in the USA and could be implemented more widely soon, since Renault is working on around fifteen projects of this type in partnership with grid operator Enedis.

​​​​​This is just one of the ways in which energy production is becoming more varied and decentralized, with the transformation of power grids. We could say that this is the end of the traditional model of energy production, based on just one or two producers supplying energy from two or three main sources.

So why do we need to reinvent power grids?

If you hear the term Electricity 4.0, it’s not just another marketing ploy, but a way to underline a break with the past. It relates to the need for more abundant, more efficient and – above all – sustainable energy sources to support ​​​​the fourth industrial revolution, a transformation driven by electric mobility, data centers (cloud computing, data and artificial intelligence) and, first and foremost, the electrification of everything and the digitalization of virtually all areas of activity.

Electricity has all the qualities necessary to address these new challenges. For a clearer understanding, remember that it took 150 years for electricity to meet just one-quarter of our energy requirements, and that we need to reach 60% in just 25 years if we are to meet carbon neutrality targets.

This will involve a 40% increase in electricity demand by 2040, and a six-fold increase in the share of wind and solar power in the energy mix.

This change of scale will require a significant increase in the annual pace of investment in the grid (cables, pylons, transformers, etc.), with figures doubling or tripling compared with the past fifteen years. France, for example, has one of the oldest grids in Europe, with power lines that are 50 years old on average.

Further, renewable electricity is set to dominate the EU electricity sector by 2030. The change is gathering pace, with renewable energies expected to generate 66% of EU electricity by 2030, up from 44% in 2023.

This progress can be achieved only by implementing technological solutions able to fine-tune the balance between production and consumption, and to improve efficiency, security and sustainability.

A profusion of producers

The electricity revolution is all about the multiplication and decentralization of energy production methods.

We have an increasingly complex energy mix, with some countries using energies that are on the way out, like coal and gas, others opting for nuclear power, and – more generally – a growing proportion of hydro, solar and wind power.

At the same time, everybody is free to set up their own installation. This option is now very much a part of everyday life: an increasing number of individuals, SMEs, shopping malls and business corporations are investing in energy production. It is no longer an option reserved solely for major investors: a modest manufacturing firm in southern France can easily meet a third of its electricity needs by installing solar panels.

Between 2022 and 2023 in France, the number of new installations tripled for private customers and doubled for business users. And this is just the beginning, according to Laetitia Brottier, vice-president of Enerplan, the union of solar energy professionals.

Although the complexity of integrating new producers can lead to bottlenecks in grid access, this movement nevertheless plays an essential role in efforts to decarbonize our economies, and it is made possible by the transition towards smart grids.

These new-generation grids enable more agile energy management and make it easier to integrate new decentralized energy production sources, such as wind and solar power. According to a European Union study, optimizing the use of renewable energies through smart grids could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 10 and 15%.

Driven by demand

As a result, a completely new approach is taking shape, since energy production can be initiated and adjusted to reflect demand in the field, and in real time.

A multitude of sensors deployed across the chain, from the end user to the power distribution network, will enable live monitoring of power flows and consumption. This will allow for better management of the load, i.e. the maximum power supported by the system, so that switching on different household appliances at the same time will no longer cause a power cut.

In the same way as electrification, energy efficiency has a key role to play in the energy transition, allowing us to turn the heating on before we get home, control the shutters according to light and weather conditions, and so on. Connected objects will turn our homes into ‘energy ecosystems’, adapting appliances to weather conditions, to our activities, and to the price fluctuations announced by electricity suppliers based on their supply costs. This will make it possible to limit soaring household energy bills, while maintaining comfort.

This transformation will be seen not only in households and residential infrastructures but also on plants and industrial sites. It is already increasingly common for production workers and technicians to operate automated, remotely controlled systems (motors, furnaces, assembly lines, etc.), providing the grid with information on current and future energy consumption. Here again, this allows them to take advantage of the lowest possible market prices.

For this reason, manufacturers are innovating continuously to develop systems able to monitor all the components in the electrotechnical chain, such as electrical transformers, cables and connection accessories such as junctions. The purpose of digitalizing power networks is to monitor the activity and load of all these components, to prevent malfunctions and optimize use. Allowing for the measurement of partial discharges also helps to extend the service life of installations. In consequence, the monitoring of electrical infrastructures pursues two main aims: to measure and optimize power consumption, and to increase network reliability and service life.

Will we finally be able to store electricity and avoid wastage?

It is important to remember that production will inevitably exceed demand from time to time. Electricity consumption remains structurally higher in the daytime, on weekdays and in winter. However, solar production is higher in summer, while high pressure systems bring cold snaps and a lack of wind for wind turbines.

This being so, a large-scale transition to sustainable energies is intrinsically linked to storage technologies. These technologies need to demonstrate their efficiency in coping with variations in the production of renewables, when the sun disappears, or the wind is not strong enough. We are referring here not only to batteries, such as those used in electric vehicles, but also to pumped storage power plants. Note that the three main types of renewable energy – water, solar and wind – are highly complementary.

Sébastien Arbola, Executive Vice-President in charge of Flexible Generation & Retail activities at Engie, said: “For every megawatt of renewable energy installed, we will need between 10 and 15% of equivalent capacity in the form of storage.”

This fast-growing market requires new solutions, such as those developed by Nexans, which is contributing to the design of transmission and distribution networks able to collect renewables at source, and to the integration of storage sites on a larger scale, more widely distributed across a given area.

As you can see, electricity 4.0 is far more than just a technological adjustment. With the planet on high alert, managing electricity is fundamental in the transition to cleaner energies. Renewable power plants are one way to reduce our carbon footprint, along with more efficient distribution networks, new energy storage solutions, and interconnections with networks in neighboring countries.

This will also help us to take back control of our energy supply sources. With geopolitical tensions on the rise, this is vital for limiting energy dependency, managing price fluctuations and ensuring grid security.

Did you know that 80% of the total ocean space is too deep for conventional offshore wind farms?

As wind energy takes on a greater role in providing sustainable electricity to millions, harnessing stronger and more consistent winds found farther offshore is critical. In recent years, advancements in high-voltage (HV) dynamic cables, critical to transporting energy back to land, are opening up new opportunities for offshore commercial wind power.

Harnessing wind power in areas previously impossible

A vast, untapped potential lies in harnessing offshore wind power. Although fixed-bottom wind projects currently lead offshore generation, nearly 80% of the world’s offshore wind potential is in waters deeper than 60 meters. This offers a tremendous challenge for the electrical transmission industry.

Yet, during the past thirty years, offshore wind has played an essential role in the decarbonization of energy. According to McKinsey, the growth of offshore wind capacity is projected to reach 630 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, up from 40 GW in 2020.

Since deeper waters are common along most coastlines worldwide, floating offshore wind turbines are crucial for these regions to harness offshore wind energy. Thus, floating offshore wind offers many countries and regions a viable path to electricity decarbonization. But getting this energy back to shore requires robust HV dynamic cables that can withstand the harsh conditions of the seas.

From sea to shore: How tech breakthroughs are powering up floating wind farms

One of the many advantages of placing wind turbines further out from the shoreline is the sheer power of the winds. More powerful and consistent wind speeds equate to a more reliable energy source.

Turning this powerful wind into sustainable energy is possible in part due to new developments in HV dynamic cables and enhancements in floating wind turbines and substation designs.

And it is thanks to these advances that by the end of the decade, large-scale floating wind farms on the West Coast of the United States, France, and South Korea will finally be a reality.

And we’re already seeing this happen. The first commercial floating wind project to be awarded is in France, off the coast of Southern Brittany. This monumental project will, upon completion, be the largest floating offshore wind farm in the world. The 250 MW site will double Europe’s current floating offshore wind capacity.

However, reaching this milestone requires getting the energy back to land where it can be transmitted and used. And this is where HV dynamic export cables are the critical link. To do that requires cables that can withstand deep-water seas. A feat that has taken years to achieve!

Overcoming new challenges going forward

The oil & gas industry has a long history of using medium voltage (MV) electrical subsea equipment. Today, that same philosophy is being explored for subsea substations. However, HV systems are a different playing field!

Transitioning to HV subsea equipment brings in a lot of additional challenges due to both increased voltage and larger sizes. This generates new challenges for design and handling offshore, combined with even more strict requirements for design tolerances and water tightness.

All HV subsea systems, including cables and potential substations and their connectors, require significant testing and qualification efforts over long time spans. Often, new failure modes arise as we acquire more knowledge about higher-voltage subsea equipment.

When it is possible to install subsea offshore substations or converter stations on the seabed, it will be a game-changer. It will unlock vast new areas for wind energy production, improve efficiency, and contribute significantly to the transition towards a sustainable energy future. For example, this advancement will significantly enhance the cost efficiency of electrical export, ultimately reducing costs and optimizing resources.

Growth of floating wind farms in the years to come

The vast open seas hold great potential in the world’s quest to decarbonize electricity. Floating wind farms, farther out and deeper, will play an increasingly important role in the battle against climate change.

Major advancements in HV dynamic capabilities play a critical role in achieving the commercial success of floating wind farms. Nexans’ groundbreaking 145 kV dynamic cable capable at 1300 meters opens up new opportunities for deep sea projects in harsh water conditions. This innovation is crucial for the future of commercial floating wind farms.

According to an August 2023 Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) report, the floating wind market will accelerate by the end of the 2020s, with 11 gigawatts (GW) installed by 2030 and 26 GW by 2032.

Starting in 2031, floating wind installations will constitute over 10% of annual offshore wind installations, a notable achievement given the rapid expansion of offshore wind overall.

This growth will significantly contribute to adding decarbonized electricity generation to power grids, supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the transition to sustainable energy sources.

Power grids are undergoing a monumental transformation. Driven by the energy transition, vast offshore wind farms are sprouting across the globe, promising a more sustainable future.

Connecting these remote parks to the mainland grid requires a crucial but often overlooked hero: the submarine power cable.

Imagine these cables as the silent arteries of the energy sector, carrying enough electricity to light entire cities. Their importance is undeniable – a single high-voltage cable tripping can put energy security at risk.

These underwater giants, stretching for hundreds of kilometers, face a unique set of challenges. Unlike their above-ground counterparts, they’re largely hidden from view, making proactive maintenance a critical and complex task.

Yet, recently, a declaration announcement emanating from six North Sea countries and NATO has emphasized the significance of infrastructure security and robustness.

This is where cable monitoring comes into play.

Monitoring of subsea cables: 3 main challenges

Due to the increasing reliance on offshore power sources, grid operators are being faced with changes and challenges. Here’s a closer look at some of the key concerns:

1. The end of a decentralized past

Traditionally, cable health data was scattered across individual local control rooms and equipment, making it nearly impossible to get a holistic view of the system. It was like having ten different doctors analyzing your health, each with their own reports and interpretations.

Thankfully, the tide is turning. We’re witnessing a shift towards centralized platforms that consolidate data from various sources, offering a comprehensive view and enabling faster, more informed decision-making.

2. The data deluge: Making sense of the noise

But the journey to a truly robust monitoring system isn’t without its obstacles. One major hurdle is the sheer volume of data generated by an array of sensors. Imagine being bombarded with continuous data streams from a thousand sensors – how do you identify a subtle change that can lead to a threatening event?

Another hurdle arises from the fragmented nature of the monitoring landscape. Different vendors often use proprietary technologies, making it difficult to integrate data from various monitoring systems. This creates a tangled web of information, hindering efficient analysis. The ideal solution lies in open platforms that seamlessly integrate with diverse monitoring technologies, providing a unified view of cable health.

3. The limitations imposed by longer interconnections

Subsea interconnectors, the power cables linking distant grids across vast stretches of ocean, pose a unique challenge for traditional monitoring techniques.

Take, for instance, the ambitious Great Sea Interconnector project, a planned high-voltage cable stretching a staggering 900 kilometers to connect the power grids of Greece and Cyprus.

At such immense distances, conventional monitoring methods using optical fibers suffer from signal attenuation – essentially, the message gets weaker as it travels, making it harder to detect issues.

To overcome this challenge, the integration of technologies akin to those used in transoceanic cables, such as amplifiers, is essential. Amplifiers can boost the signal strength at regular intervals along the cable, ensuring that monitoring systems maintain accurate and reliable communication.

5 advanced techniques for subsea cables monitoring

Thankfully, the world of cable engineering can count on plenty of solutions. Here are some of the cutting-edge technologies playing a vital role in safeguarding the health of subsea power cables.

Monitoring and the revolution of artificial intelligence (AI)

Of course, AI is among the most promising revolutions for the monitoring of subsea cables.

Indeed, the sheer volume of data generated by advanced monitoring systems can be overwhelming. This is where AI steps in, helping to:

• Filter Out Noise and Identify Threats: By analyzing complex data patterns, AI can effectively distinguish between background noise and real threats. This ensures that operators focus their attention on the most critical issues.
• Predictive Analytics: AI can leverage historical data and real-time sensor readings to assist in identifying potential problems before they even occur. This allows for preventative maintenance and minimizes downtime.

The road ahead: Monitoring powered by constant innovation

Imagine a user-friendly cockpit that displays real-time data, analyzing failure modes, and proposing remediation actions for all your cable assets in single place: this, in essence, is the future of cable monitoring.

Comprehensive cable monitoring solutions are paramount. A centralized approach not only simplifies cable management but also empowers operators to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

Nexans, at the forefront of these innovations, has developed a solution that isn’t just an abstraction layer: it is a versatile data platform, with state-of-the-art digital frameworks, intuitive dashboard and harmonized analytics that brings the cable data management to the next level. It integrates information from various sources and presents a clear picture of the network’s health.

Built to scale, it adapts seamlessly to the growth of the grid. Whether through on-premise deployment or cloud-based access, this solution offers flexible options. Prioritizing cybersecurity, the platform utilizes the latest technologies and maintenance processes to safeguard critical data.

The energy transition depends on the silent guardians of the grid – subsea power cables. As we harness the power of offshore wind farms, robust cable monitoring becomes an indispensable tool. By overcoming the challenges of data management, signal interpretation, and technological fragmentation, we can ensure the health and longevity of these critical underwater connections.

Innovative monitoring technologies can help the silent heroes under the sea to continue to play a vital role, ensuring the lights stay on and our cities vibrate with sustainable energy.