WCA March 2015

Industry news

THE Prysmian group has been contracted by the Turkish utility TEIAS (Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation) for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a second high voltage submarine power cable link between Europe and Asia. This second link will cross the Dardanelles strait, and will complement the interconnection that Prysmian is currently constructing along the same route. Massimo Battaini, Prysmian’s senior vice president, energy projects, said: “The first Dardanelles link… represents a milestone in the cables industry as it is one of the first AC 380kV submarine cable links, using XLPE insulated cables, in the world. This second award by TEIAS is a tangible sign of the group’s strong and acknowledged reputation, and of the trust of the market.” The link comprises a double AC power transmission circuit of approximately 4km with a rating of 1,000MW for each circuit between the substations of Lapseki (Asian side) and Sütlüce (European side) across the strait. The 380kV XLPE insulated cables will be manufactured in the production unit in Pikkala, Finland. Prysmian Group – Italy Website : www.prysmian.com Turkish (cable) delight China exports Steel producers in China have increased their exports during 2014. During the ten months up to October, Chinese exports of steel products totalled 73.8 million tons, an increase of 42.2 per cent from the same period last year, and exceeding the previous high set in 2007. In October, export volumes reached a new single-month record of 8.55 million tons. Falling domestic prices of steel have widened a price gap between China and foreign markets. On average, Chinese steel for export commands an estimated premium of $244 per ton over steel sold on the domestic market, which is suffering from overproduction. According to the China Iron and Steel Association the top three destinations for Chinese steel exports during the first nine months of the year were members of the Association of Southeast Asian nations, South Korea and the Middle East. Exports to the European Union, the USA, Taiwan and other markets are likely to show an increase of up to 60 per cent. As China’s steel exports grow, so too may friction with trading partners. In November, the US department of commerce imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel wire, having determined it was being sold in the USA at less than fair value. In August the European Union began an investigation into possible dumping of electrical steel sheet by Chinese producers. China Iron and Steel Association – China Website : www.chinaisa.org.cn

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Wire & Cable ASIA – March/April 2015