wiredInUSA March 2019

Issue No. 93 - March 2019

www.wiredInUSA.com

America’s online magazine for wire and cable

wiredIn USA

Capital contract Page 9

Offshore takes to the air. Page 10

Network upgrade across Greece. Page 29

FTTH conference. Page 35

Quick Reliable Service Always there to help

www.zumbach.com • sales@zumbach.ch

EDITOR

Population growth in the Washington DC area has led to increasing demand for a reliable electricity supply. Step forward Prysmian group, which will start a seven-year multi- phased project worth $190 million this year. The upgrade will improve system reliability and reduce the risk of storm-related outages, while expanding network capacity to support the use of solar-powered energy and other customer-generated solutions. Prysmian will also be responsible for maintenance services and systems, including sheath testing and voltage testing activities. Turn to page 9 for the full story. Interwire is looming on the horizon, with a range of speakers now lined up for the exhibition, which also plays host to organizers Wire Association International’s 89 th annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with keynote speaker Dr Shawn G DuBravac, author of the New York Times bestseller “Digital destiny: How the new age of data will transform the way we work, live and communicate”, other speakers will be Ali Shehab, CEO Cimteq; Andy Talbot, vice president Mid-South Wire; Dave Hawker, vice president Nexans; Richard Wagner, vice president Insteel Wire Products; and Tom Heberling, senior vice president of Southwire. More details on page 16.

David Bell Editor

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

March 2019 Issue No.93 CONTENTS

06 PAGE

Show Diary 2019

09 PAGE

Making the News Industry news from the USA

28 PAGE

Europe news The latest news from Europe

34 PAGE

Asia & Africa News The latest news from Asia & Africa

40 PAGE

Products, Machines & Technology The latest news from machine industries

wiredInUSA - March 2019

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© 2019 Intras Limited UK ISSN 2046 - 9497 Publishers of EuroWire and Wire & Cable ASIA magazines

INTRAS OFFICES Europe: 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755

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USA: Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 Email: doug@intras.co.uk News Editor David Bell david@wiredinusa.com Features Editor (USA) Dorothy Fabian Features Editor (Europe) Gill Watson Publisher Caroline Sullens

Sales & Marketing (International) Sales Director Jason Smith jason@wiredinusa.com +44 1926 834 684 Accounts Manager Julie Case juliecase@intras.co.uk

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

Diary Shows & Events 2019

march 5-7 March 2019 Cables 2019 Düsseldorf, Germany www.ami.international

march 18-20 March 2019 Advanced Cable North America Charlotte, North Carolina, USA www.integer-research.com

may 13-16 May 2019 Interwire Trade Exposition Atlanta, Georgia, USA www.wirenet.org

September 18-20 September 2019 wire Southeast Asia june 13-15 June 2019 Guangzhou Guangzhou, China www.julang.com.cn

june 18-20 June 2019 wire Russia Moscow, Russia www.wire-russia.com

Bangkok, Thailand www.wire-southeastasia.com

For more info visit: www.wiredinusa.com/showinfo.php

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Capital contract M A K I N G T H E NEWS

Prysmian group will carry out a project to upgrade the Washington DC area’s power transmission system. The multi- phased project is expected to be worth approximately $190 million and is currently scheduled to run between 2019 and 2026, with a $13 million agreement in place for phase one. Population growth in the region has caused an increasing demand for reliable electricity supply. The upgrade project will improve system reliability and reduce the risk of storm- related outages, while expanding the network capacity to support the use of solar-powered energy and other customer-generated solutions. “As a global advocate for smart underground infrastructure, Prysmian group is proud to enter this forward- thinking system upgrade project,” said Massimo Battaini, CEO, Prysmian group North America.

Prysmian will be responsible for the design, engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of high voltage underground cable systems comprising over 100km of XLPE-insulated 230kV cables and over 200km of XLPE-insulated 69kV cables, as well as related accessories and network components. The project includes an integrated monitoring system based on the group’s Pry- Cam condition assessment and asset management technology to monitor all key parameters of the electrical system, including acoustic vibration, partial discharge and temperature. Prysmian will also be responsible for maintenance services and systems, including sheath testing and voltage testing activities. Cables will be manufactured in Abbeville, South Carolina, and will be installed over an eight-year period.

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

Image: makanipower.com

Offshore takes to the air

Makani, a wind energy kites developer, is working to adapt its technology to offshore environments in partnership with Royal Dutch Shell plc. Makani will use Shell’s engineering and operational expertise with floating structures to make the transition to offshore, where, Makani believes, the technology could accelerate access to new offshore wind areas.

at water depths greater than 50 meters, Makani’s kites don’t need to be supported by large platforms. Instead, we plan tomount Makani’s kite on a small spar buoy, moored with a synthetic line and gravity anchor.” Over the past five years the firm has developed its concept to a commercial- scale prototype. The result is the 600kW M600 model, with a wingspan of 26m (85.3ft). The partnership with Shell will begin with the testing of a floating offshore system, with demonstrations in Norway later in 2019. Makani already has a test anddemonstration site in Hawaii.

Makani will continue as an independent business.

Makani has created an energy kite that is 90 percent lighter than turbines of a similar power rating. CEOFort Felker explained: “Unlikemost floating offshorewind technologies deployed

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Wind farm crossing county lines

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State) and EDP Renewables (EDPR) have announced a 104MW 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will enable the continued development and eventual construction of the 104MW Crossing Trails wind farm. The project, which is expected to be operational in 2020, is Tri-State’s fifth investment in a utility-scale wind energy project and further expands EDP Renewables’ presence.

south of the town of Seibert and is within both Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties. Once operational, the wind farm will produce enough electricity to power over 47,000 average rural Colorado homes and will bring economic benefits – including jobs – to the region. The Crossing Trails wind farm is located within the service territory of KC Electric association, a Tri-State member system serving three counties in eastern Colorado.

The Crossing Trails facility is located 20 miles

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5G industry forecast

Industry analyst CIR has issued a new report on the 5G fiber optics infrastructure market. In the report the firm projects a robust market for optical networking and cabling in the coming years as carriers deploy the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of the growing 5G wireless business. CIR predicts global expenditures on 5G fronthaul and backhaul equipment will peak at $4.1 billion in 2021. Optical

The Beta LaserMike brand has been faithfully serving the wire and cable industry for over 50 years and we have thousands of satisfied customers that rely on our measurement systems every day to improve quality, increase productivity and deliver manufacturing savings. We are committed to your success. Precision Measurement & Control Solutions The report, entitled “Optical networking opportunities in the 5G infrastructure market: 2019 to 2028,” is available to buy and download from the company’s website, where an excerpt from the report is also available. cabling expenditures will exceed $5 billion annually, with some years seeing substantially higher spending during the 5G infrastructure build out.

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New US hires

Zumbach Electronic has announced the hiring of six new personnel as the company continues to further expand its North American presence. Joining Zumbach will be Kevin Dock, as VP/business development; Rudy Estrella, customer supportmanager; CraigNaninni, field service engineer; Alex Serrano, field service engineer; Biraj Patel, field service engineer; and Timothy Ruane, field service engineer.

Founded in 1957 by Bruno Zumbach, Zumbach Electronics is a privately owned international group of 11 companies in Europe, the US, South America and Asia. Zumbach has manufacturing and research and development centers in Switzerland and the US.

DeWAL PTFE Films and Tapes New solutions for challenging applications

DeWAL designs and manufactures a broad assortment of skived, unsintered and low density PTFE films and tapes. Our specialty laminates combine PTFE with porous substrates and films to withstand abrasion, harsh chemicals, hostile environments and irregular surfaces. For cost-effective film and tape solutions for masking, insulating, shielding, conducting and coating, call DeWAL today.

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

Interwire speakers

Cimteq’s CEO, Ali Shehab, will be joining a prestigious line-up of speakers from within the cable industry’s most influential companies at May’s Interwire 2019. Among the speakers will be Andy Talbot, vice-president, Mid-South Wire; Dave Hawker, vice president, Nexans; Richard Wagner, vice president, Insteel Wire Products; and Tom Heberling, senior vice president, Southwire.

The conference provides a platform for delegates to see and hear what manufacturers are thinking and doing about the next generation of wire and cable making. Ali Shehab will also host a technical program about the Smart Factory. Interwire will include WAI’s 89 th annual convention; the third global continuous casting forum; an exhibition; and a co- location of the International Fastener Manufacturing Exposition (IFME).

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Plenary “heads up”

The ICPC (International Cable Protection Committee) is considering papers in preparation for its 2019 plenary, due to take place in the Courtyard Liberty Station hotel in San Diego, California, during May. Every year the plenary attracts a global, industry-specific audience to consider the protection of submarine cables. Participation provides an opportunity to engage with submarine cable owners, suppliers, installers, surveyors, academics and service providers who are responsible

for the planning, installation, operation, protectionandmaintenanceof submarine cables. ICPC’s three-day conference provides participants with the opportunities to enhance their industry knowledge and network with colleagues and customers, as well as meeting with a range of exhibitors. Delegates will find an agenda full of pertinent presentations, round-table discussions and interviews.

ECC offers a broad portfolio of customized elastomeric or polyolefin based compounds utilized for medium/high voltage as well as certain low voltage flame retardant applications including: • EPR and Polyolefin Compounds • Elastomeric, Crosslinkable, and Thermoplastic Compounds • Flame Retardant and Halogen Free Compounds • Moisture Crosslinkabe Compounds • Specialty/Custom/FR Masterbatches • Insulation, Jacketing, and Bedding Compounds • ISO 9001 certified manufacturing process ensures quality, efficiency and ultimately customer satisfaction. • Non-carbon black product lines produce super-clean, elastomeric high voltage cable compounds. • Personalized customer service and support to customers worldwide. Wire & Cable Customized Compounds

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

The new BradyPrinter i5100 industrial label printer. Photograph courtesy of Brady

Get into print

Heilind Electronics, an authorized distributor for Brady, has added the new BradyPrinter i5100, industrial label printer to its product range. Designed for organizations with routine high- mix printing requirements, the i5100 utilizes Brady Workstation and LabelMark™ label creation software to produce up to 5,000 labels a day. Printing is simplified by a top- loading design and by specialized ribbon spindles and roll holders for fast material changeovers. Rollers are available in a variety of widths to reduce printhead wear. The BradyPrinter i5100 printer is compatible with the company’s labels, sleeves and ribbons, all of which are embedded

with IP-enabled RFID tags, allowing the components to work together and streamline the label setup and creation process. Settings and print status are accessed via a user-friendly touchscreen interface. Each unit offers a range of connection options, including ports for USB, RS-232C, ethernet and SD cards. Customers can select from 300dpi or 600dpi heads, and from auto-cut options. This versatile printer is designed for the contract manufacturing and logistics sectors for the identification of products, electronic components, cables and wires.

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ASTM International’s committee on additive manufacturing technologies has launched a new subcommittee to focus on creating standards to support the growing number of additive manufacturing applications across various industry sectors. “The evolution of additive manufacturing technologies, combined with sector-specific requirements, demandus tocreateabroader portfolio of more detailed and stringent standards that support qualification of high value-added parts and components,” said Mohsen Seifi, director of global additive manufacturing programs at ASTM, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. ASTM International member Shane Collins will chair the new applications subcommittee “We are reaching the tipping point in many industries. More and more parts are manufactured efficiently using additive manufacturing instead of traditional manufacturing. By creating industry-specific standards, we can continue to support that innovation,” he said. The new subcommittee will look at parts and components manufacturing in industries including aviation, construction, consumer electronics, medical and biological, oil and gas, transportation and heavy machinery. Pat Picariello, committee manager, said: “This subcommittee will play a key role in keeping the committee on the cutting edge of standardization development, maintaining its responsiveness to a constantly evolving set of needs.”

Looking at additive manufacturing standards

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Registration is now open for Fastener Fair, the fastener and fixings exhibition to be held in Detroit during May 2019. Fastener Fair USA brings together manufacturing, distribution and supply professionals, OEMs, and end users, to see the latest technology and solutions. Fastener Fair USA offers an opportunity to gather the latest industry information, forecasts, and technical education with keynote speeches and breakout sessions for all levels of experience and industry focus. More than 300 exhibitors fromaround the world will showcase their products and equipment. Attendees can source, and connect with, manufacturers and distributors of industrial fastener, fixing, and joining solutions, and collaborate to solve product design business challenges. New for 2019, the show will feature two stages on the exhibit hall floor to offer concurrent educational tracks targeted to distributors and OEM end-users. In addition, the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will present its pre-show training seminar, Fastening 101, aimed at newcomers in the industry. Led by Laurence Claus of NNi Training and Consulting, this year the session will include information for those in the automotive industry. FTI is also introducing a new mentoring component, where newcomers can be paired up with industry veterans during the show for additional learning, support, and networking.

Looking to the Fastener Fair

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The Helutop MS-EP5 and the Cu grounding strap from Helukabel

Accessorize

Helukabel has added two new cable accessories to its product portfolio – the Helutop MS-EP5 and the Cu grounding strap. The Helutop MS-EP5 is a fifth generation EMC gland used to ground a cable system, protect against EMC noise when bringing cables into panels or enclosures, and provide strain relief. The nickel-plated brass cable gland is IP68 5 bar rated, and is capable of performing in temperatures between –40° and +100°C, making it suitable for application areas such as manufacturing

facilities, wind turbines and railway engineering.

The new Cu grounding strap is made from tinned copper and can be used in temperatures from –20° to +125°C. It is suitable for eliminating EMC interference from ground loop, which can result from poor grounding in industrial applications such as the automotive industry, robotics and control panel building. It ranges in size from 10 AWG to 4 AWG and is available in lengths between 100mm and 500mm, with other sizes available on request.

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The international conference and exhibition for polymeric materials in wire and cable 5-7 March 2019, Maritim Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany To book your place at a reduced rate contact: Heidi Lesiw – Conference Organiser, heidi.lesiw@ami.international +44 (0) 117 314 8111 www.ami.international/events

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Get an update on current and future market trends, developments in testing, performance and regulation, novel approaches in materials and additives and developments in speciality cable applications Listen to ‘hot topic’ presentations from leading participants: EUROPACABLE, POLYONE, BUSS, LUBRIZOL and many more. Not to be missed opportunities to network with leading executives and industry experts

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Bringing the plastics industry together.

The Davis-Standard Technical Center has announced additions to its lab capabilities in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. By the end of the first quarter, Davis-Standard will offer trials for its Davis-Standard Helibar ® groove feed extruder and the DS Activ-Check control system for continuous extruder monitoring. According to John Christiano, Davis-Standard’s vice president of extrusion technology, both present new opportunities for customers to improve and strengthen their processes. The Helibar extruder is the next generation in Davis-Standard’s groove feed extruder. The Helibar design uses helical grooves inside the barrel, running along the entire barrel bore. The technology has been shown to increase extruder output rates while improving energy efficiency and reducing barrel and screw wear. Other advantages include lower start- up costs, shorter residence time, and the ability to process higher levels of regrind — this is especially beneficial for high-profile applications where speed, melt quality and efficiency are paramount. The DS Activ-Check system will be mounted on a 4.5″ (114mm) extruder. Using a continuous monitoring platform, the DS Activ-Check strengthens preventative and predictive maintenance for extruder operation. Operators are able to monitor key mechanical and electrical components of the extruder and gearbox and receive early notification of potential component failure to prevent unscheduled downtime. Users can obtain notifications via email and text message, and can remotely monitor conditions via smart devices or remote PCs.

Trials on offer

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Advanced Cable North America 2019 March 18 – 20, Charlotte, NC, USA

Join key industry leaders to discuss and examine new opportunities, innovative technology, and growing market demand for advanced cable applications across North America.

Conference agenda at a glance

Day 1

Day 2

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Economic and Cable Market Environment Morning Networking Break Cable Industry Insights Lunch and Networking Sophisticated Cable Systems Afternoon Networking Break Cable Standardization and Management Networking cocktail reception

Renewable Energy Cable Applications

Data Center Infrastructure

Registration Opens

Morning Networking Break

Specialty Power Cable

Wireless Connectivity

Lunch and Networking

Focused Session: Automotive Cable

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Closing Networking Break

Save 20% off your registration using code USA20OFF We are pleased to offer WiredIn USA readers 20% off the ticket price. Use the code USA20OFF activate the offer.

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EUROPE NEWS

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Mr Arthuros Zervos, chairman and CEO of PPC; Mr Mihai Tanasescu, vice president of the EIB; and Mr George Kollias, chairman and CEO of HEDNO

Network upgrade across Greece

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced a €255 million facility to support the upgrade of the national electricity network in Greece. The EIB has agreed the loan with Greece’s Public Power Corporation (PPC) to support its planned upgrade of the electricity distribution system. “Across Europe, and here in Greece, significant new investment in electricity network infrastructure is essential to cater for future demand, reflecting economic growth, [to] ensure reliableelectricity supply and reflect changing sources of power generation,” said Peter Jacobs, head of the EIB’s investment team for Greece.

2017-2020, which is being implemented by PPC subsidiary Hellenic Network Operator (HEDNO). A total of 7,327kmof newmedium and low voltage electricity distribution lines will be installed to improve distribution efficiency and increase network resilience and stability. The work will also support the planned expansion of renewable energy in Greece, enabling the connection of new onshore wind farms and solar power projects. The first part of the loan, a €155 million package, was agreed in January, while the remaining €100 million will be released as the project progresses.

The investment will support PPC’s €510 million network investment program for

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

Norway to Ireland cable plan

Acquisition supporting new markets

Erling Aronsveen, development director of Celtic Norse Image: By Doc Searls from Santa Barbara, USA wikipedia.org

A new submarine cable system between the city of Øysanden, Norway, and Killala Bay, County Mayo in the Republic of Ireland, is under consideration. Known as Celtic Norse, the 2,000km cable is being planned as an extension of Aqua Comms’ existing AEC-1 cable, which runs from Ireland to New York. However, regionally owned Nordavind Data Center Sites is developing Celtic Norse. Erling Aronsveen, development director of Celtic Norse, told Capacitymedia.com: “The Celtic Norse sea cable will enable regional Norway to connect its attractive sites and vast renewable power resources to Europe and America with better response times to Eastern Seaboard US than anywhere in the Nordic region.” Aronsveen believes there is land and power to accommodate hyperscale data centers in Norway, but international connectivity is poor. “At present all fiber in central Norway is routed through Oslo, but that won’t do for data centers,” he explained. Although no official figure has been given, Aronsveen estimates the total cost for the development is below $57 million.

Prysmian Group has a new contract with Caldwell Marine International LLC for the design, manufacture, supply and testing of a 6km 3x630mm² 115kV submarine cable system with XLPE insulation. The cable will form part of a connection between Deer Island and mainland Massachusetts. Prysmian will also be responsible for the project’s land section, supplying and installing 8km of 115kV land cabling. Submarine cables will be produced at Prysmian’s Arco Felice (Italy) facility, with the land cables manufactured at Prysmian’s factory in Abbeville (South Carolina). Delivery of the project is scheduled for 2019. The recent acquisition of General Cable has strengthened Prysmian Group’s position in the submarine US cable industry, adding production facilities in Nordenham (Germany), a center of technological and manufacturing excellence, and a complementary geographical presence.

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New joint venture in Jena

Keep track of drum assets

Bruno Fankhauser

Leoni AG and Hengtong Optic-Electric Co Ltd are planning the joint production of single-mode fibers for telecommunications anddatanetworks for theEuropeanmarket. The companies have signed a framework investment agreement to establish a joint venture in Jena, Germany. “The transmission of signals via single-mode fibers is a forward-looking technology. It enhances our strategic positioning as a technology partner for intelligent data transmission solutions. By expanding our manufacturing competence we expect to strengthen our fiber optics business to serve the increasing European demand for single- mode fibers,” explained Bruno Fankhauser, member of the Leoni board of directors. Through its subsidiary j-fiber GmbH in Jena, Leoni is an established producer of multi- mode fibers in Europe. j-fiber will provide the joint venture with the necessary infrastructure to commence its operations. Hengtong Optic-Electric is among the world’s biggest suppliers of single-mode fibers, with a strong presence in the Asian region. The joint venture will operate under the name of j-fiber Hengtong GmbH.

Building on its success in France and Belgium, Nexans has expanded its Connected Drums initiative to include the UK, Switzerland, Germany and Chile. The solution, first introduced in 2016 and developed with industrial Internet of things specialists, allows customers to accurately track the location of cable drums. DSOs (distribution service operators) can lose hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, due to the lack of visibility of drums scattered across construction sites. Complex supply chain processes can involve multiple teams, construction sites and subcontractors, so expensive cable drums and cables are frequently lost, stolen or left idle on sites. It is also challenging for DSOs to monitor their stocks across multiple remote storage sites. To help its customers address this issue, Nexans designed an integrated, battery- powered sensor that connects the drum to a cloud-based management platform (available on desktop or mobile app). Customers can see, in real-time, the location of each drum, andmonitor an alert system for on-site events such as deliveries or pickup. Nexans’ Connect Drums – helping to track the location of cable drums

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

Nordic connections

New export cable in prospect

Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash

Iceland’s Telecommunications Fund and Farice ehf, an Icelandic international capacity provider, have announced plans to build a new subsea cable system linking Iceland to Europe. Called IRIS, the new route will connect Iceland to Ireland with potential branches and onwards connections to existing infrastructure such as Aqua Comms’ AEC-1 andAEC-2, and Farice-1 andDanice. Under the terms of the agreement, Farice will carry out the desktop study and research necessary for the construction of the new system, including mapping landing sites and project managing the seabed survey. Farice operates two other cable systems: the Farice-1 cable that links east coast Iceland to the Faroe Islands and Scotland, and Danice, which connects the south coast of Iceland to Denmark. Iceland’s 4,800km Greenland Connect is the country’s third cable system linking Iceland to Canada and the US. This latest Iceland to Europe system will be the country’s fourth and will further improve the country’s security and resiliency.

Image: inchcapewind.com

NKT has signed a pre-construction agreement (PCA) for delivery and installation of an export cable system for Inch Cape, a prospective UK offshore wind farm project. The project is being developed by Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm Ltd, and the PCA, which is for a consortium that includes Boskalis Subsea Cables and Flexibles, is for exclusive supplier and installer for the export cable. The project will require approximately 170km of 220kV AC offshore export cables, to be made at one of NKT’s two high voltage power cable plants and installed by Boskalis. Construction on the wind farm, situated in the North Sea about 15 miles off the east coast of Scotland, is planned to start in 2020, with cable installation in 2022. A network of low voltage cables will connect the wind turbines to offshore substation platforms. Up to two of the platforms will collect the generated electricity for export to the national grid via cables that come ashore at Cockenzie, in East Lothian.

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Second furnace for fasteners

Europe offshore review

Giles Dickson WindEurope CEO

Statistics published by WindEurope show that Europe installed 2.6GW of new offshore wind energy capacity during 2018, bringing an 18 percent increase in offshore wind capacity, and 15 new offshore wind farms went into operation. The UK and Germany accounted for 85 percent of the new wind power capacity, with 1.3GW and 969MW respectively. Europe now has 105 offshore wind farms across 11 countries with a total capacity of 18.5GW. This is around 10 percent of total installed wind energy capacity in Europe, with 90 percent onshore. Dickson commented: “Offshore wind energy continues to grow strongly in Europe. Offshore wind power now represents 2 percent of all the electricity consumed in Europe and, with a big pipeline of projects under construction and development, this number will rise significantly. “The technology keeps developing. The turbines keep getting bigger and the costs keep falling. It’s now no more expensive to build offshore wind than it is to build coal or gas plants, and it’s a good deal cheaper than new nuclear.” WindEurope CEO Giles

Image: aichelin.at

Swedish fastener manufacturer Bulten has commissioned the Austrian heat treatment specialist Aichelin with the production of a cast link belt furnace for the refinement of high strength steel screws and nuts. At 80m in length, the furnace plant has a performance of 2 tons per hour. It is Aichelin’s second 2,000kg/h cast link belt industrial furnace plant for the Swedish Hallstahammar site. Aichelin is delivering the electrically heated high temperature hardening furnace, and the protective gas-tight tempering furnace, with oil or emulsion hardening baths. Measuring and switching systems are included, along with the process control system Focos 4.0 for the new plant (as well as an update of the data acquisition of the existing plant) and a protective gas generator. The customer provides the loading and unloading device and the component washing machines under its own direction.

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ASIA & AFRICA NEWS

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Image: ftthcouncilap.org

FTTH conference

The FTTH Council Asia-Pacific will hold its FTTH APAC conference in Wuhan, China, in April. This year’s conference theme is “5G smart cities enabled by fiber” and will offer an opportunity to explore how the Asia Pacific telecom industry is continuing its deployment of FTTx and deep fiber to the network edge as a converged platform, from which smart cities and 5G networks can be built. Wuhan offers a fitting context for this year’s focus, representing many of the world’s leading optical communications companies and being synonymous with the latest advances in telecom technologies. The conference will open with keynote presentations from China’s principal policy makers as well as leading telecom network operators.

agenda will address the challenges and opportunities being faced by telecom regulators andnetworkoperators across the APAC region. Sessions will bring the region’s network operators and thought leaders together to share their strategic insights into the 5G roll out; explore the FTTx and other deep fiber deployment success stories; and highlight key investment opportunities in the region for FTTH deployment. Municipal leaders, policymakers and technology companies will also discuss the key factors influencing smart city enablement.” The conference attracts over 500 senior executives from the region’s telecom regulators, policy makers, network operators, municipal leaders and solutions providers. Now in its 14 th year, FTTH APAC conference 2019 will see the continued collaboration between the FTTH Council Asia-Pacific and CRU Events.

Venkatesan Babu, president, FTTH Council Asia-Pacific, commented: “The 2019

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wiredInUSA - March 2019

Hydrogen facility is under way

Solomon Islands’ cable boost

Image: dubaisce.gov.ae

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela

In early February, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne joined Solomon Islands’ caretaker primeminister, Rick Houenipwela, in a ground-breaking ceremony in Honiara to mark the start of the next phase of the Coral Sea cable system. In his speech, Mr Hou thanked the Australian government for helping Solomon Islands realise its dream to be connected to a submarine cable network. Minister Payne confirmed that Australia will invest considerable sums in the Coral Sea cable system and Solomon Islands domestic network. “This is a tangible symbol of our ongoing commitment to the Solomon Islands and the Pacific,” she added. Both leaders highlighted that the new infrastructure will be transformative for the Solomon Islands nation. Construction is said to have progressedwell, and the landing station at Lengakiki will soon host a 4,700km fiber optic submarine cable to link Sydney, Port Moresby and Honiara.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of both the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, has broken ground for the first solar-driven hydrogen electrolysis facility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The project will be implemented in collaboration between DEWA, Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens. It will be built at DEWA’s outdoor testing facilities in the research and development center of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park in Dubai. At the event, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Our aim is to make Dubai a model of energy efficiency and safety.” According to Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the project is the first of its kind in the MENA region to produce hydrogen using clean energy. The hydrogen produced at the facility will be stored and deployed for re-electrification, transportation and other uses.

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Japanese link

Taiwan taking cable

Photo by Jase Bloor on Unsplash

LS Cable and System is to supply 170km of 66kV submarine cables to Taiwan, and is believed to be the first Korean cable maker to export to the country. The Taiwanese market has large submarine cable projects scheduled for implementation by 2025. LS Cable will supply cable for the Yunlin offshore wind farm, under construction by YunNeng Wind Power Company, for installation by Seaway Offshore Cables, part of the Subsea 7 group. The aim of the project is to alleviate power shortages resulting from the scheduled shutdown of several nuclear power plants. Taiwan is investing $23 billion in the construction of 5.5GW of offshore wind power, with a submarine power grid spanning over 2,000km.

NEC has won a contract from Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company to design, engineer, supply, install, test and implement an optical submarine cable system to connect Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures in Japan. The cable is scheduled to begin operation in April 2020. This new cable will connect to Nago city in Okinawa prefecture, and Hioki city in Kagoshima prefecture, with a total length of approximately 760km and a maximum depth of around 1,200m. The proposed system will employ the latest optical wavelengthmultiplex transmissionmethod, with a maximum design transmission capacity of 80Tbps. NEC will provide the optical system as a turnkey project, providing all aspects of submarine cable operations including the production of optical transmission terminal stations, optical submarine repeaters, optical submarine cables, ocean surveys and route designs, installation of equipment and cable installation, training and delivery testing. NEC’s subsidiary, OCC Corporation, is responsible for the manufacture of the cable.

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New cables meet latest protocol

Submarine network for Sunshine Coast

CC-Link IE protocol guarantees high speed, and is compatible with the IEEE Ethernet standard. Leoni has been certified by the CLPA (CC-Link Partner Association) for two new CC-Link IE field cables. These cables guarantee high speeds at the field level and support all key network protocols with respect to Industry 4.0. The CC-Link IE cables are for the industrial Ethernet versions of the CC-Link fieldbus, and the only protocol to date that provides gigabit bandwidth as an open network. Large data volumes can be transmitted at high speed. The cables are constructed in the same way as Profinet cables in their respective categories (category 5e and category 6A). Fitted with four twisted pairs and a PVC outer jacket, the cables are flexible and flame-retardant in compliance with IEC 60332-1-2. CLPA certification was carried out at Leoni’s facility in Changzhou, China, where a CLPA delegation presented the product test certificates in an official ceremony. Certification ceremony in Changzhou - Leoni AG

The Sunshine Coast Council in Australia has announced that construction is under way on its submarine cable landing station, a major land-based facility for the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Submarine Cable network. The cable landing station will help deliver data and telecommunications connection to Asia from the east coast of Australia, via an undersea fiber optic cable. The landing station is part of an international cable network part-funded by the Queensland government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and the Sunshine Coast Council. RTI Connectivity is building a 9,700km submarine cable, between Japan, Guam and Australia (JGA), and a 550km branch to connect the JGA cable to the new landing station at Maroochydore.

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Local wire

Fossil fuel – end in sight?

Alihussain Akberali, chairman of BSRM

A new report from Australian National University (ANU) suggests that all fossil fuel use in Australia could be at an end by 2050, if the country continues to install wind and PV power at the current rate. The continuing rapid decline in the cost of PV and wind, and increasing renewable electricity demand arising from the elimination of gas heating and the rise of electric vehicles, could lead toaccelerated deployment of PV and wind during the 2020s, and a much earlier end-date for fossil fuels. According to report findings, the country is installing renewable power per person each year faster than any other country — four to five times faster per capita than the EU, Japan, China and the USA — helping it to meet its entire Paris Agreement emissions reduction targets five years early. The pipeline for new wind and solar PV electricity systems is about 6.3GW per year. This equates to 250W per person per year, compared with about 50W per person per year for the EU, Japan, China and the USA.

BSRM Group is developing a wire manufacturing plant at Mirsarai in Chattogram, in a move to capitalize on a construction boom in Bangladesh. The plant will have the capacity to manufacture an annual 77,000 tonnes of wire in a combination of galvanized wire, LRPC wire, welding electrode and CO 2 wire. Alihussain Akberali, chairman of BSRM Group, said the plant, to be called BSRM Wires, “will manufacture four types of wires that are currently imported. The prices of raw materials of wires are very low in the international market, but the prices of the finished goods end up being high for Bangladesh due to imports [taxes]. Local manufacturing will reduce their prices.” The facility is expected to enter production in 2020.

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Products, Machines & Technology

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Pilot’s protection Trelleborg has supplied a range of cable protection solutions to the Kincardine offshore wind farm. The company manufactured and delivered distributed buoyancy modules (DBM), bend stiffeners andUraduct ® cableand flow lineprotection to the Scottish pilot project. Daniel Bate, renewables sales manager within Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation, said: “The region’s desire to enhance and accelerate the development of renewable energy is helping propel innovation and project successes that can be used on future renewable projects. This is an exciting time for the renewables industry, as we see the worldwide demand for renewable energy growing and supporting competitive clean power.” Once completed, Kincardine will use seven floating turbines and have an installed capacity of 50MW. Subsea cables are used in floating production environments to inter-connect the floating structures and to run between the substation and the shore. Trelleborg’s DBMs and bend limitation products are designed to secure, guide and protect the power cables from excessive movement or bending that can cause fatigue damage. Chipboard fixing GebuVolco has introduced a new chipboard screw, SilverMate. SilverMate

is an extra strong chipboard screw with a specially developed tip.

The SilverMate has the CE approval mark and is packed in a sturdy professional box with a viewing window and easy access tray. Improved milling ribs ensure a perfect damage-free finish. An extremely sharp point, combined with the improved thread, ensures rapid engagement in the wood with a minimal splitting risk. The SilverMate is believed to be the strongest chipboard screw in its class, making it suitable for mounting into almost any type of wood. Sophisticated shaft ribs on the partial thread version and a superior wax also ensure minimal turn-in-resistance. A balanced range of chipboard screws, also available in a chromium-6 free galvanized version, offers wide coverage of all needs. By using only three Pozi- and three Torx ® versions across the range, bit changes will be less frequent. The advantages of the SilverMate screw are said to include minimal risk of head twisting; minimum turn-in-resistance, due to the use of superior wax; particularly fast engagement, almost immediately from the first rotation of the drill with minimum starting pressure; low risk of splitting, due to the four special milling ribs at the tip of the screw; and special shaft ribs that give extra space to the screw head when it penetrates the wood, further reducing the chance of splitting.

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Spring end improvements Wafios has introduced a new two-plate version of its G 450 spring end grinding machine. The G 450 uses the latest Wafios WPS EasyWay 3.2 control and programming technology, already prepared for future Industry 4.0 applications such as predictive maintenance. Using Wafios iQ Temperature, the temperature of the workpieces can be measured during the grinding process, and controlled according to process specifications. This increases the output while ensuring quality standards. In addition, the machines feature the Wafios particle deflector - a special coating on the suction channel that effectively reduces soiling and deposit of grinding abrasion to a minimum. As a result, maintenance and repair costs can be reduced.

applications, such as spring length measurement and active process cooling. While the former measures the relaxed spring length at the end of the grinding process, to ensure the minimum batch tolerance, active process cooling ensures the safe removal of abrasive dust in the grinding space. New alloy suits fasteners In addition to ultra-fine wires, cables and stranded wires made of Isa-Con ® 414, Isabellenhütte is now manufacturing semi- finished products and preliminary materials for fasteners, such as screws and bolts, made from Isa-Con ® 450, another version of its copper-based alloy. Isa-Con450 is said to reduce electrical resistance and, thus, heat development in the system, and undesired heat is better dissipated. Both types of material, Isa-Con414 and Isa- Con450, are characterized by high strength (similar to that of stainless steel) and high conductivity (similar to that of copper). With Isa-Con450, the tensile strength is between 450 and 550 megapascals and the conductivity is 80 percent ACS (international annealed copper standard). This combination is said to make the material ideal as a conductive fastener, for example as a bolt, screw, spring contact, plug connector or bus bar. When using Isa-Con450 for current-carrying components, the electrical resistance, both in the material and at the contact transition, is reduced compared to

The basic size of the machine has been increased to provide a standard machine that covers most of the industry’s common S S The new two-plate version of the G 450 spring end grinding machine from Wafios

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