Oman’s OAPIL ventures into advanced conductor manufacturing

Oman Aluminum Processing Industries SPC (OAPIL) and France’s Epsilon Composite have partnered together to produce High Voltage Composite Reinforced Conductors (HVCRC), a category of advanced High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors.

For the partnership, OAPIL, a subsidiary of Oman Cables Industry SAOG, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French carbon fibre manufacturer Epsilon Composite to produce the advanced conductors, which will be manufactured at OAPIL’s facility in Sohar, Oman.

Advanced HTLS conductors are a key enabler for electrical utilities that are looking to increase power transmission capacity with a minimal total cost of ownership.

Thus, according to OAPIL, a line conductor manufacturer, the partnership and venture into Composite core reinforced conductor manufacturing is a direct response to the rising electricity demand in rapidly urbanising regions and the need for smarter power grid solutions, enhancing its capacity, reliability and resilience.

The advantage of these conductors, states OAPIL, lies in their ability to offer double the current carrying capacity and operate in higher temperatures than conventional overhead transmission lines.

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The venture and partnership with Epsilon, announced by OAPIL via a LinkedIn post, is further being touted as a significant milestone in the Oman company’s aims to meet the growing global demand for modern, resilient, and sustainable power grids.

Jehan Alagappan, chief strategy officer at OAPIL stated on the social media platform: “We are excited to collaborate with Epsilon Composite on this milestone project, as it strengthens our position as a pioneer in the development of innovative and sustainable conductor technologies.

“The introduction of HVCRC conductors will empower utilities to address the challenges of increasing electricity demand with minimal total cost of ownership while promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. This investment and collaboration in added value and advanced products contribute to enhancing power grid capacity, its reliability and resilience”.

Epsilon Composite also highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing HVCRC technology in multiple markets.

Said Alexandre LULL, general manager at Epsilon Composite: “This strategic partnership with OAPIL will help meet the demand from utilities for advanced conductors, supporting both electrification and the energy transition.

“With its integrated production capabilities, OAPIL is ideally positioned to become one of the top players for HTLS conductors in the Middle East region and beyond. Epsilon and OAPIL’s teams have joined forces to design, manufacture, and install HVCRC conductors, with highly promising momentum underway to qualify HVCRC conductors in Oman and other targeted countries.”