The Cable artisans and their vital role in electrification

What do railroads, state-of-the-art medical devices, household appliances and power grids have in common? The workers who make them. It is thanks to their hard work and sharp skills that we have all this equipment and infrastructure, which have revolutionized our daily lives.

Workers have been a force in our modern societies since the Industrial Revolution. Most of the conversation has revolved around the struggles and hardships they faced in the past, but it is also important to shine a light on the vital role they have played in humankind’s progress and accomplishments.

Workers have changed throughout history. They have also had a hand in shaping history. Notably through the profound transformations in society and technology that they have navigated. So many of humankind’s amazing achievements in the past three centuries—from railroads to space travel to hydroelectric dams to sweeping sustainable electrification—have come about thanks to them. And that will be the case, even more so, tomorrow.

Changing trades

Let’s take a quick look back. The place of workers in our societies has undergone radical changes since the end of World War II, from quantitative as well as qualitative perspectives.

• Their numbers have dropped. In the United States, for instance, manual workers accounted for 25% of the total workforce in 1960 and about 8.5% in 2017, according to the country’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. That steep decline led some intellectuals and policymakers to contemplate the idea of an entirely deindustrialized, worker-less society. In his 1991 book The Work of Nations, former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich argued that the U.S. was gravitating towards a “service economy” and would offshore the bulk of its industrial production. Now, however, it is clear why it makes sense to keep industry local and alive. The tide has turned towards reindustrialization and the vital role that workers play is back in the limelight.
• The tasks they do have changed too. Their jobs are increasingly technical and complex. Workers who specialize in a single repetitive task are on their way out and workers who have honed multiple skills through advanced training and years on the job are on the rise.

Safety, meanwhile, has risen up the agenda. The days when occupational accidents were quietly dismissed as inevitable are over: worker health and well-being matter more than ever and manufacturers are now aiming for zero accidents.

Worker safety is an absolute priority at Nexans, where workers account for 65% of the workforce.
The safety “dojos” we have set up at Nexans plants are one example. We borrowed the term from the martial arts world and use it to describe facilities we have set up within factories to provide theoretical and practical training on safety rules. They heighten our own employees’ and our external service providers’ awareness of best practices, notably including our Safety Golden Rules. They address different topics and organize a variety of activities each month to nurture a genuine safety culture among all our workers. One of these dojos in China, for instance, holds tournaments to test workers’ knowledge of the rules and best practices the fun way. Another, in Qatar, has miniatures to illustrate the 15 Golden Rules. The dojo at Cobrecon, in Peru—which opened on the plant’s first Safety Day—divided workers into two groups and asked each one to give the other a full presentation on the Rules. And there are many more examples: our dojos are constantly coming up with clever new ways to enable their teams to stay safe.

The figures reflecting this momentum are striking: in 2023, about 16.2 million people worked in the renewable energy sector worldwide according to the Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2024 published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and International Labour Organization (ILO). Many of those jobs involve technical and maintenance roles, and manual workers are filling most of them. A 2022 McKinsey study found that the industry will need an additional 1.1 million or so workers to build new solar and wind farms, then 1.7 million more to maintain them.
The high-voltage grids carrying electricity over long distances already span over 10 million km around the world, and are expanding fast to meet growing demand linked to the energy transition. Workers, in other words, will play an increasingly vital role building and servicing these infrastructure assets.

As demand for clean energy continues to soar, the role that workers play in quality and innovation is becoming more essential than ever. Their craft is becoming increasingly technical across the board, but this is especially so in the electrical sector in general and cable production in particular. They transform raw copper, aluminum and rubber into ever more efficient cables packed with cutting-edge technology. It’s true that research centers play a big role in developing new technologies, but workers have experience in the field and are often the first to suggest practical ways of improving production processes. This teamwork combining theory and practice is vital to keep the electrical industry at the leading edge of innovation and efficient. Cable workers master unique skills and appreciate a job well done, and that is fostering a culture of excellence and their pride in their profession.

While tasks are becoming increasingly complex, “there’s no school for making a cable” sums up Franck, lead operator at the Nexans plant in Jeumont, France, in one of the videos in the series on our industrial legacy. This singular expertise is passed on by the more experienced workers to the newcomers, and they are all enriching it all the time with fresh ideas. Teamwork among workers in a plant, therefore, is one of the keys to performance and quality. So it is all the more important for the teams to be united and committed to quality. Pride and striving for excellence foster a desire to share what we know.

Robotization and digitalization are now speeding up job transformation. Some tasks—often the most repetitive and strenuous ones—are disappearing and the people who did them are now supervising or servicing machines, or optimizing flows or operations, all of which involve more training and additional skills. At the Nexans plant in Autun, for examples the forklift drivers who in the past shuttled goods around the plant have retrained to supervise the machines in the MegaMag, a gigantic automated vertical storage facility that Arnaud, a supply chain technician at the plant proudly and admiringly describes as “sensational” in another video in the series on our industrial legacy. Equipping our plants with ever more advanced technology entails training workers to use these new tools, which in turn enables workers to widen their range of skills.

At the heart of this transformation are AI-powered monitoring systems. These systems, equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) connected sensors, continuously collect real-time data on network and equipment operating conditions, such as temperature, voltage, and load. In a world where every second counts, this constant stream of data offers utilities an unparalleled window into the health of their infrastructure.

But what does this mean in practical terms? Let’s break it down:

• On the micro level, AI algorithms detect and locate anomalies with pinpoint accuracy. A power line overheating in a remote area or a transformer on the brink of failure can now be identified and addressed before causing widespread blackouts.
• On the macro level, machine learning algorithms analyze large streams of voltage and current data, visualizing where stress points are building up. With this knowledge, operators can balance loads in real-time, preventing overloads and ensuring electricity reaches the right places when needed most.

This new level of insight is transforming how operators manage their networks. Instead of reacting to failures, AI could allow operational teams to anticipate problems, and hence dramatically reducing downtime and improving reliability.

Efficiency at Scale: A Smarter Approach to Energy Distribution

Why stop at predicting failures? AI could also reshape how energy is distributed. By analyzing historical data and predicting future demand, we can imagine that in the future machine learning models would optimize and balance power flows so that electricity is delivered where it’s needed most – and at the lowest possible cost.

This is particularly critical as renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, become a larger part of the energy mix. Unlike traditional power plants, renewables are inherently variable-solar panels don’t generate power at night, and wind turbines don’t spin when the air is still. AI-based flexibility and demand response softwares however, can forecast these fluctuations and adjust  operations accordingly, ensuring that the lights stay on no matter how the wind blows.

A Roadmap to the Future: How is AI already powering electrification ?

A sustainable, electrified future is not a distant vision – it’s being built today and the recent outburst of AI technologies has already allowed Nexans to launch innovations that transform once-opportunities into concrete business breakthroughs for many actors of the electrification value chain:

• Grid operators are now able to build in a few weeks-time digital twin replicas of their physical network out of incomplete and often inaccurate legacy data sources. AI and ML algorithms create highly precise assets connectivity models, enabling the implementation of transformational smart grid programs such as advanced distribution management systems.
• Large electro-intensive industrial companies that rely on critical machinery uptime performance can optimize their capital expenditure and maximize asset utilization by leveraging predictive failure and asset/component obsolescence models, all while effectively managing risk
• Thanks to AI-powered virtual power flow models, datacenter operators or critical building owners aiming at upgrading and modernizing their legacy equipments towards higher capability IT servers and more efficient cooling systems can determine whether their existing power infrastructure (cables, transformers, etc.) still remains fit for purpose.
• Electrical contractors are now provided access to mobile apps with embedded AI computer-vision and augmented reality technology bricks that verify the proper preparation and installation of sensitive components such as medium voltage terminations, joints and connectors in order to ensure long term reliability performance of their infrastructure.

As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of smart grid technology, partnerships are key to success. Nexans is partnering with an ecosystem of key actors of the sector to enhance the reliability and safety of modern power networks. Such partnerships enable the Group for example to integrate advanced AI-driven monitoring into medium-voltage cables systems, allowing for predictive maintenance, fault detection, and real-time diagnostics of these critical infrastructures.

Toward a Sustainable, Intelligent Future

The electrification industry is standing on the brink of a revolution. With AI at the helm, critical electrical infrastructures are becoming more resilient, efficient, and intelligent.

At the intersection of AI, IoT, and Industry 4.0, we’re entering a new era of electrification – one where power grids and large electrical infrastructures such as datacenters or gigafactories aren’t just networks of wires, substations, machines and robots, but dynamic systems capable of self-monitoring, self-healing, and optimizing themselves.

And while this future is already being realized by pioneers across the industry, some companies are leading the charge. Nexans, with its expertise in both electrification and digital transformation, is at the forefront of this revolution. Through its innovative solutions, Nexans is helping to shape the power infrastructures of tomorrow, ensuring that we not only meet the energy challenges of today but build a smarter, more connected future for generations to come.

4 Sectors Where Augmented Reality is A Game-Changer

Imagine having digital information at your fingertips, layered over your physical surroundings. That’s the power of AR. With real-time data enhancing human capabilities, AR offers a seamless integration of the virtual and physical, and companies across industries are already reaping the rewards.

1. Manufacturing: At Boeing, AR transforms the complex assembly of aircraft by overlaying wiring schematics onto real components, guiding engineers through intricate processes. This reduces assembly time and significantly cuts error rates. Lockheed Martin takes a different approach, using AR in training programs, allowing workers to practice with complex machinery before they ever step onto the factory floor.
2. Healthcare: Precision is critical in the healthcare industry, where a single error can have life-or-death consequences. Medtronic has integrated AR into surgeries, giving doctors real-time data and imaging as they operate, enhancing surgical accuracy. Osso VR has revolutionized medical training, enabling surgeons to practice procedures in virtual environments before performing them on real patients, ensuring greater skill and confidence.
3. Construction Industry: Saint Gobain offers augmented reality headsets that help installers locate and position studs in the correct order. No need to say this is a huge time-saver.
4. Logistics: DHL uses AR glasses to optimize warehouse operations. Workers are guided step-by-step through picking processes, ensuring that items are packed quickly and accurately. This AR-guided workflow has resulted in fewer mistakes, greater efficiency, and faster delivery times – an innovation with massive implications for the global supply chain.

These are just a few examples of how AR is revolutionizing entire industries, but what about its application to electrification? This sector – where even minor mistakes can lead to significant consequences – holds immense potential for AR-driven change.

Here are 4 areas where AR is poised to make an impact:

1. Error Prevention: By overlaying digital data on physical environments, AR can prevent human errors in cable installation and maintenance. It ensures that each task is performed with exacting precision, avoiding costly mistakes and rework.
2. Real-Time Problem Solving: Field technicians can use AR for immediate assessments of critical infrastructure. Whether it’s identifying faulty connections or conducting routine maintenance, AR provides real-time insights, minimizing downtime and improving overall reliability.
3. Remote Assistance: AR could allow experts to guide field workers remotely, offering live feedback as they troubleshoot issues on-site. This could drastically reduce response times and the need for expert travel, particularly in rural or hard-to-reach locations.
4. Enhanced quality and durability of installations: AR allows connections to be systematically checked. Furthermore, documentation is digitized, which improves maintenance. Digital assistance can also be systematically provided, fundamentally changing how installers are trained to use connectors and cables.

Given these potential applications, it’s clear that AR could change the game for electrification. And one innovation leading this charge is Infracheck – a solution that promises to revolutionize how cable management is handled.

Infracheck: Redefining Cable Management

Infracheck, developed by Nexans, marks a significant advancement in cable management through AR technology. This innovative tool allows technicians to verify cable connections instantly using a smartphone or tablet. By capturing images of cable installations, Infracheck overlays real-time data, offering immediate assessment of conformity with technical and safety standards.

The solution’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible for technicians at all experience levels, reducing human error and ensuring precise results. Infracheck not only streamlines the verification process but also minimizes the need for rework, ultimately saving time and resources while enhancing the reliability of critical infrastructure.

With Infracheck, technicians gain the ability to resolve issues on the spot, ensuring high performance and reducing system downtime – a crucial benefit in the electrification industry.

The Future of Electrification: Powered by AR

As AR continues to gain traction across industries, its impact on electrification is becoming more evident. The blend of real-time digital data with physical infrastructure is transforming how we think about everything from cable management to grid maintenance. In a sector where reliability and precision are paramount, AR is providing the tools needed to meet these challenges head-on.

The implications for the future are vast:

• Enhanced Training: AR could revolutionize how technicians are trained, offering immersive simulations that allow them to practice installations and repairs in a safe, controlled virtual environment.
• Improved Safety: AR can also enhance safety by providing technicians with real-time alerts and warnings about potential hazards during installations or repairs, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Faster Maintenance: With AR-guided systems, maintenance work can be carried out more quickly and accurately, minimizing downtime for critical infrastructure and keeping systems running smoothly.

The electrification industry is on the cusp of a digital transformation. With tools like Infracheck paving the way, AR is set to become an indispensable part of ensuring that our power grids remain efficient, reliable, and future-proof.

A New Era for Electrification

AR is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s here, making industries more efficient, safer, and smarter. From improving the assembly of aircraft to enhancing medical procedures, AR is transforming the way we work across the board. In electrification, the potential for AR is immense, offering real-time precision and reliability where it’s needed most. With innovations like Infracheck leading the charge, augmented reality is unlocking the future of electrification—one where infrastructure is not only reliable but also smarter, safer, and more efficient.

The digital and physical worlds are merging, and AR is at the heart of this revolution. Electrification, as we know it, is entering a new era – one where augmented reality drives the future of how we power the world.

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.