Analysis of the Underground Transmission and Distribution Cables Market

NEW YORK, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Analysis of the Underground Transmission and Distribution Cables Market
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This research service analyzes the characteristics of the underground transmission and distribution cables market in North America and the variables that will affect this market during the 2012–2016 forecast period. Though most electricity is transmitted through overhead power lines, demand is high for underground cables because they require less maintenance. The three types of cable discussed are power transmission, power distribution, and marine, or subsea. These cables also are distinguished by their insulation types: solid dielectric, fluid filled, and gas filled. Drivers and restraints are discussed. The base year for this study is 2011, and the geographic scope includes the United States and Canada.

Executive Summary

This study analyzes market demand and dynamics for underground cables sold for power transmission and distribution (T&D).

Today, most electricity is transmitted through overhead power lines. However, demand is high for underground cables both for transmission and distribution power networks on the North American electric grid. Although more expensive than overhead cable, underground cable use in the past was driven by aesthetics and the prospects of reduced maintenance costs associated with severe weather conditions.

Underground cables are an ideal solution for newly constructed residential and urban areas and often are chosen for power distribution networks. Demand for underground cables grew by double digits at the beginning of the millennium, when housing construction peaked. Sales for underground cable grew, but then dipped significantly during the recession.

Currently, the majority of sales still comes from power-distribution networks. Frost & Sullivan estimates that distribution in 2011 accounted for approximately xx.x percent of total sales.

According to industry estimates, underground cable represents approximately xx.x percent of the distribution power line in North America, even though only x.x percent of transmission power lines are underground.

Since the recession, the market for underground cabling has been in recovery mode and growth in demand is expected because of renewable energy and transmission projects.

Across North America, utility companies must comply with state-level mandates requiring a percentage of electricity to be generated from a renewable power source. Currently, xx states in the United States are mandated to create renewable-energy portfolios, with some goals that must be met as early as this year. Some progressive states, such as California, aim to have xx.x percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Currently, California produces xx.x percent renewable power.

These requirements mean utilities must reevaluate their electric grids, which are not prepared to handle possible fluctuations caused by a variable power supply. Furthermore, utilities must reassess whether the current power line is sufficient to transmit high voltage generated from new power generation plants. An article in Transmission & Distribution World reports that over the next eight years, approximately xx,xxx miles of transmission lines will be upgraded at a cost of $xxx.x billion.

Underground cable will have to compete with overhead power lines, which are considered more affordable. However, utilities may be persuaded to consider underground cable due to its superior reliability, visual appeal, and lower maintenance cost.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary 4
Market Overview 10
Total Underground T&D Cables Market –
External Challenges: Drivers and Restraints 20
Forecasts and Trends 29
Market Share and Competitive Analysis 37
Revenue Forecast by Market Segment 43
Revenue Forecast by Insulation Type 52
Revenue Forecast by Country 57
Underground Cable Company Profiles 62
Mega Trends and Industry Convergence Implications 70
The Last Word (Conclusions and Implications) 73
Appendix 76

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: Analysis of the Underground Transmission and Distribution Cables Market

Nicolas Bombourg
Reportlinker
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