CTC Global’s New ACCC® Conductor Facility at Pune

Fueling India’s Reliable and Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

World’s leading advanced conductor technology supplier, CTC Global has set industrial standards with its high-performance and energy-efficient ACCC® conductors. Contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, CTC Global has recently opened its 5th ACCC® conductor core manufacturing facility in Pune to support the modernization of India’s energy infrastructure, transitioning to a reliable, sustainable and climate-conscious energy system. The company is exploring new applications for its technology in the transmission & distribution sector to meet the future needs of the global energy market. This was revealed by Mr. J.D. Sitton, Chief Executive Officer at CTC Global, during an exclusive interview with Wire & Cable India.

Wire & Cable India: CTC Global is renowned for its innovations in conductor technology. Can you describe your core expertise and how it differentiates CTC Global from other industry players?

J.D. Sitton: CTC Global is the world leader in advanced conductor technology. Its proprietary ACCC® conductor has been successfully implemented by over 300 utilities in over 1,350 projects in 67 countries. CTC Global’s ACCC® conductor is the most extensively tested and field-proven advanced conductor available. It complies with important international standards and is backed by the world’s largest conductor manufacturing and customer support network. CTC Global is differentiated from its competitors by its extensive track record, and its commitment to innovation, quality and respect.

WCI: What has been the driving force behind your company’s growth and success in the global wire and cable industry?

JDS: CTC Global has grown aggressively because its products solve real, pressing problems for transmission utilities around the world. CTC Global products enable faster, cheaper and more efficient expansions of power grids. This, in turn, enables cheaper, more reliable access to electricity. The ACCC® conductor has become an industry standard due to its exceptional thermal stability, energy efficiency and mechanical strength. This, coupled with a global network of manufacturing facilities, authorized manufacturing partners and adherence to its values, allows CTC Global to fulfil its commitments with its products performing as per expectations.

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WCI: How has CTC Global embraced new technologies to enhance the performance of its products to cater to developments like smart grid systems or renewable energy integration?

JDS: One of the fundamental characteristics of CTC Global’s ACCC® conductors is that they can be deployed very quickly on existing towers and roughly double the capacity of a given circuit. This enables a utility to easily integrate more renewable energy assets at a faster rate and less cost as compared to traditional conductors. Adding to this, the ACCC® conductor’s additional thermal capability (lower sag, much higher max temperature) allows a utility more capability to adjust its system operations in extreme events. The icing on the cake is the incorporation of optical fibers to enable confirmation of conductor integrity across the useful life of the conductor. This is a definite reliant feature that is unavailable from any other conductor. One of CTC Global’s core values is innovation – we get better at what we do every day. This applies to our products and services as well.

WCI: In your view, what are the most significant challenges facing the current electric grid in terms of meeting future demand and ensuring reliability?

JDS: Electric grids in many countries are experiencing unprecedented demand even as the sources of generation are shifting around and becoming more intermittent. In addition, many electric grids are in need of refurbishment and need to be reassessed from the perspective of vulnerability to extreme weather. These challenges are well documented and massive capital expenditure is needed. In India, for example, projected peak electricity demand could reach 366 GW by 2032, and estimates for grid investment total over USD 109 billion. To address these challenges, grid modernization with advanced conductors like the ACCC® conductor, which can handle higher loads and harsh conditions, is essential. Smart grid solutions offering real-time monitoring and management will also play a crucial role in ensuring reliability.

WCI: CTC Global has recently opened its 5th ACCC® conductor core manufacturing facility in Pune. How will the new facility enhance CTC Global’s production capacity for ACCC® conductors?

JDS: CTC Global’s Pune facility has been fully loaded since its first month of operation. It is staffed by a very talented, experienced and well-trained team and works closely with CTC Global’s authorized manufacturing partners to drive excellent outcomes for utilities in India. Strategically, it is located in a major manufacturing hub enabling it to reduce lead times, improve supply chain reliability and help meet stringent project deadlines. The facility is enabling CTC and its partners to efficiently produce and ship ACCC® conductors, ensuring reliable delivery and supporting our commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

WCI: Given India’s growing energy demands and the government’s push for renewable energy, how does this new facility support the country’s energy infrastructure development?

JDS: India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 presents a need for modernized infrastructure. The Pune facility supports these goals by locally producing high-performance ACCC® conductors that enhance grid capacity, reduce transmission losses and ensure efficient energy integration. By supporting the modernization of India’s energy infrastructure, we contribute to the country’s transition to a reliable, sustainable and climate-conscious energy system, helping to meet the government’s renewable energy and climate targets. CTC Global’s ACCC® conductors enable utilities to get more out of their existing assets and build in flexibility for meeting their future needs.

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WCI: What future developments and growth prospects are there for the conductor market, and how are you preparing yourself to fulfill these?

JDS: The conductor market is poised for growth driven by the global push for electrification, renewable energy integration and grid modernization. CTC Global expects increasing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient conductors like the ACCC® conductor. To meet this demand, CTC Global continues to innovate, expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen global partnerships. My team and I are also exploring new applications for our technology in transmission & distribution to remain at the forefront of the industry and meet the future needs of the global energy market.