Guillaume Eymery, chief strategy innovation & digital officer at Nexans looks at the changing face of cabling.
The world of electricity is about to undergo an unprecedented digital transformation similar to what industry has achieved by digitising 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 These outdated methods fall short in addressing the growing complexities and challenges of modern electrification.
What’s needed is a shift to an intelligent, data-rich infrastructure that provides real-time insight and control. These technologies hold the key to operating more efficiently, anticipating failures before they happen, and keeping costs under control. As electricity demand grows and networks come under pressure, digital tools will become vital. Not just to optimise performance, but to extend the lifespan of existing systems.
In this new energy era, the ability to monitor and manage power flows in real time will be a defining advantage and an urgent necessity.
The lifespan of electrification grids
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 modernise all power grids for reasons of resources, copper, aluminium and expertise. It is therefore imperative to increase the reliability and lifespan of existing grids, and this step is fundamentally linked to the digitisation 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.
The power of digital: a revolution in electrification
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 optimise their operations, identify new opportunities, and respond more effectively to market changes.
Moreover, digital technologies are also revolutionising the customer experience. Through personalised 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 organisations can drive innovation, improve sustainability and create a more resilient and prosperous future.
Digital transformation is fast becoming the foundation for a more sustainable energy future. By harnessing advanced technologies, the industry can optimise operations, strengthen grid resilience, and tackle the complex challenges that lie ahead.
Five key innovations are driving better experiences for customers, partners and employees, and enabling the sector’s transition to a circular economy:
Digital services & technologies: Elevating electrification operations
Digital Services powered by technologies (like IoT, AI and Blockchains) are revolutionising the reliability and efficiency of electrical grid operations. Those technological evolutions are setting the stage for a future where electrical grids are not only more reliable and sustainable but also highly interconnected and intelligent.
Smart grids seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources, ensuring a sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the years to come.
Smart grid monitoring systems, Industry 4.0 and supply chains are impacted by this digital revolution.
Augmented reality: Transforming cable installation
Augmented reality not only improves efficiency but also sets new standards for precision and reliability in the electrification industry: it is enhancing interaction with the physical world.
This powerful, transformative innovation optimises cable installation processes, enhances quality assurance, and empowers field personnel with real-time guidance.
Digital channels & media: Revolutionising the customer experience
In today’s digital age, customer experience is crucial. When options abound, satisfaction is the ultimate differentiator.
Digital channels and media optimise the end-to-end value chain. From streamlining purchasing experiences to achieving operational excellence, they enable personalised interactions and seamless transactions, thus empowering companies to make informed decisions in a resource-constrained world.
Ensuring authenticity and traceability with blockchain
Transparency and authenticity are more critical than ever. By providing a verifiable record of product history, blockchain can build trust with customers and partners.
Blockchain technology ensures product lifecycle management, and combats counterfeiting. By offering traceability throughout the value chain, blockchain is setting new standards for product integrity and sustainability, paving the way for a circular economy.
Generative AI: Enhancing efficiency and sustainability
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) represents a transformative leap in AI, offering the electrification industry powerful tools to enhance data quality, streamline operations, and improve infrastructure reliability. By integrating AI-driven insights, companies can optimise smart grids, reduce resource dependency, and increase operational efficiency.
This technology can help to support sustainability goals, to accelerate innovation, and equip businesses to meet the evolving challenges of electrification, all while delivering faster, more precise and transparent solutions.
The future of electrical grids starts with smarter thinking
The future of electrification will not come from rebuilding grids but from rethinking them. Digital tools are no longer optional; they are essential to making our infrastructure smarter, stronger and more sustainable. From real-time data to AI-driven decisions, the shift from copper to code is already in motion. Those who embrace this change will not just keep pace. They will shape the energy systems of tomorrow.