Renewed competitiveness

Milestones achieved

Sustainable innovation became a key achievement for us in 2016, both on the energy and telecommunications fronts. The Group reached a number of technological milestones that will have a considerable market impact in terms of energy saving and sustainability.

Our HVDC technology stands out in its ability to transmit large quantities of electricity over long distances, frequently across national borders. In a world first, we launched systems using 700 kV (PPL) and 600 kV (XLPE) HVDC cables, which guarantee increases of up to 15% in power transmission capacity and network reliability. We also extended P-Laser technology – for the manufacture of cables that are 100% recyclable and eco-sustainable – to HVDC systems, bringing to market the P-Laser 600 kV, which can achieve cost reductions of up to 30% per MW transmitted. The application of P-Laser technologies to terrestrial and subsea HVDC cable systems, marks a true innovation in the cable industry. In addition, we introduced a 66 kV cable system, representing the highest voltage for electrical connections between offshore wind turbines, enabling wind farms to lower their costs by up to 15%. This system has been qualified for the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) programme promoted by the Carbon Trust, an independent company based in the UK whose mission is to stimulate the accelerated development of a low-carbon, sustainable economy. The OWA project is one of Carbon Trust’s most important R&D programmes and is supported by the UK government's Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Scottish government. Its objective is to reduce the cost of offshore wind energy through the development of innovative ideas and their translation into viable solutions.

R&D, THE BEATING HEART OF INNOVATION‍

Generating innovation

Prysmian Group always seeks to generate innovation, quality and know-how. We look to develop pioneering products and systems with a lower environmental impact and higher added-value for customers, even in those sectors in which products are largely standardised. And in 2016 we continued this trend.

We remain committed to pursuing product development that increases efficiency and reliability, while also reducing the dissipation of power. Implementation of design-to-cost has continued, resulting in reductions in the weight of conductors and materials. Our desire to innovate and develop new products with a reduced environmental impact stems from the conviction that this is the best way to guarantee economic sustainability over the long term.

In particular, our development projects seek to increase the effciency and reliability of the finished products we offer while, at the same time, lowering energy and power losses. In addition, we are always looking for new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the consumption of electricity and water during the production processes. During 2016 we invested approximately €83 million in research, development and innovation. We also continued our work to optimise costs via design-to-cost, a methodology used to lower production spend, both when developing a new product and re-engineering an existing one. Thanks to this programme we achieved cost savings of almost €17 million in 2016, with more than 1,100 projects feeling the benefit. The Group's constant drive to innovate is also supported by 17 Centres of Excellence, which have their headquarters in Milan and employ more than 550 experienced professionals.

Want to find out more?