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^{The Advanced Conductor™}

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Powering America’s Future: Why Grid Innovation Can’t Wait

America’s electricity demand is poised for a seismic shift. According to a new report from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and PA Consulting, U.S. power consumption is expected to surge by 50% by 2050, driven largely by explosive growth in data centers and widespread electrification of transportation. This marks a sharp departure from the historically flat demand utilities have managed for decades. Meeting this challenge will require more than incremental upgrades—it demands bold innovation across every layer of the electric grid.

While new generation sources and energy storage solutions are part of the answer, the heart of the problem lies in the grid’s aging transmission infrastructure. As NEMA’s leadership warns, the current system was never designed for this rate of growth. Without faster, smarter ways to expand transmission capacity, reliability risks will only intensify. Fortunately, technologies like CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor offer a proven path forward—doubling transmission capacity on existing corridors, slashing line losses, and strengthening grid resilience without massive new land or permitting requirements.

Our feature article, Meeting America’s 2050 Power Demand Surge: Why Advanced Conductors Like ACCC^® Conductor Are Critical Now, dives deeper into the report’s findings and explains why Advanced Conductors are not just helpful, but essential, for a future-ready grid. As the pace of electrification accelerates, utilities must seize immediate, high-impact solutions to ensure a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

Forbes Magazine Spotlights ACCC^® Conductor in Interview with CTC Global CEO, J.D. Sitton

Written by Llewellyn King and published by Forbes on April 24, 2025, the article "CTC Global’s Carbon Fiber Conductors Can Double Electricity Carriage" highlights the growing impact of CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductors, which use lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber cores to dramatically increase the capacity and efficiency of overhead power lines. King interviews J.D. Sitton, CEO of CTC Global, who explains how utilities worldwide - especially in Asia and now increasingly in the U.S. - are turning to carbon fiber technology to solve urgent grid challenges without the time and cost of building new infrastructure. Sitton emphasizes that reconductoring with carbon fiber allows utilities to boost capacity in months rather than years, a critical advantage as energy demand, particularly from data centers, continues to surge.

King describes CTC Global’s manufacturing operations in Irvine, California, where the company’s proprietary production process ensures the durability and performance needed for decades of harsh outdoor service. The article underscores how carbon fiber conductors reduce sag, resist corrosion, lower line losses, and enable longer spans between towers - delivering faster payback despite higher initial costs. As Sitton notes, carbon fiber has no significant advantage underground or underwater, but for overhead transmission, it’s proving to be a transformational solution for utilities facing regulatory hurdles, budget constraints, and soaring demand.

Hartford Courant: Jim Laurito Urges Connecticut to Future-Proof Its Electric Grid with Advanced Transmission Technology

In a compelling op-ed published by the Hartford Courant on March 28, 2025, veteran utility executive Jim Laurito outlines a powerful case for modernizing Connecticut’s electric grid with advanced technologies. Laurito, who formerly led Connecticut Natural Gas Corp., Southern Connecticut Gas Company, Rochester Gas & Electric, and New York State Electric & Gas, and who now serves as an independent director at CTC Global, stresses the urgent need to "future-proof" the state’s transmission infrastructure to meet growing electricity demands and rising reliability challenges.

Laurito explains that while building new transmission corridors is often a slow and costly endeavor, there’s an immediate, high-impact solution: using carbon composite core conductors instead of traditional steel core lines. These advanced conductors - made with the same strong, lightweight carbon fiber materials found in fighter jets - can double the transmission capacity of existing routes, cut energy losses by up to 40%, and reduce the need for expensive new towers. Highlighting CTC Global’s 20-year leadership in this field with over 124,000 miles of such conductors deployed worldwide, Laurito calls on Connecticut lawmakers to embrace this proven technology. By doing so, he argues, the state can lower costs, strengthen grid resilience against extreme weather, and accelerate economic growth — all while avoiding the long delays and expenses of traditional grid upgrades.

TRENDING NEWS

As utilities face increasing pressure to expand grid capacity while minimizing costs, the ACCC^® Conductor offers a proven solution by reducing structure counts and improving performance. Its high-strength composite core and greater aluminum content enable longer spans, lower thermal sag, and reduced line losses compared to traditional conductors like ACSR and ACSS. A 20-mile, 230 kV line case study shows that using ACCC^® Conductors can cut structural costs by over $5.9 million and nearly double capacity, delivering far better cost-per-MVA performance. These benefits - combined with simpler permitting, lower environmental impact, and long-term efficiency - make ACCC^® Conductor an ideal choice for modern, cost-effective grid development.

Europe’s power grid is facing mounting pressure from aging infrastructure, renewable integration, rising electrification, and extreme weather. CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor is helping utilities meet these challenges head-on by delivering a fast, affordable way to double transmission capacity using existing lines. With its advanced design, ACCC^® Conductor not only cuts line losses by up to 40% - boosting efficiency and reducing emissions - but also eases grid congestion, supports cross-border interconnections, and enhances resilience. Already proven in over 68 countries, ACCC^® Conductors are a key enabler of Europe’s clean, reliable, and future-ready grid. 

As the U.S. electric grid faces rising demands for reliability, sustainability, and cost efficiency, utilities and regulators are under increasing pressure to rethink how they plan and invest in infrastructure. At the same time, financial teams must stretch limited budgets in a landscape of fluctuating fuel prices, regulatory shifts, and uncertain load growth. In this dynamic environment, focusing solely on upfront capital costs is no longer enough. This article explores why total lifecycle cost has become a critical metric for grid modernization - and how advanced solutions like CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor can help utilities lower operating expenses, improve efficiency, enhance resilience, and deliver greater long-term value for ratepayers and stakeholders alike.

FROM THE FIELD

CTC Global’s high-performance ACCC® Conductor played a central role in the successful completion of Bangladesh’s 400 kV Kaliakoir–Bogura transmission line - part of a major infrastructure initiative to enhance national grid reliability and support regional power imports. Spanning over 131 kilometers, the line was energized in March 2025 after 19 months of efficient, incident-free installation by KEC International Ltd. and local partner Sohel Engineering. Powered by Dhaka size ACCC® Conductor supplied by Sterlite Power and supported by PLP hardware, the project sets a new benchmark for transmission excellence in South Asia. 

Check out this outstanding video created by SCE to document their most recent ACCC® Conductor installation in LA.

CTC Global would like to thank Southern California Edison for completing another important and technically challenging reconductoring project - and for capturing it on video to share with others. The Laguna Bell to Mesa No.1 230 kV Reconductor Project showcases SCE’s commitment to enhancing grid capacity and reliability using advanced technology. By deploying CTC Global’s Fort Worth-size ACCC® Conductor with the ACCC InfoCore® System - supplied by Lamifil and paired with Dervaux hardware - SCE increased transmission capacity while improving line efficiency and reducing sag.

9 ACCC^® Projects Recently Energized

80 ACCC^® Projects Under Construction

19 ACCC^® Projects Scheduled to Start

1,350+ ACCC^® Projects Completed

UPCOMING EVENTS

CTC Global is proud to be the principal sponsor of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) Connect: Spring Summit 2025, taking place May 6–8 in Minneapolis, MN!

As the CEBA community comes together to identify paths to quickly add much-needed grid capacity, we’re excited to participate in conversations around immediate, scalable solutions - like CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor. ACCC^® Conductor is the advanced conductor solution that can double grid capacity in a matter of months, not years.

We’re also pleased to announce that J.D. Sitton, CEO of CTC Global, will be speaking at the event, sharing insights on how advanced conductor technologies can play a critical role in enabling a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

We look forward to connecting with industry leaders and sharing how our advanced conductor solutions can accelerate progress. See you in Minneapolis!

CTC Global is proud to be participating in Make it in the Emirates 2025, taking place May 19–22 in Abu Dhabi, UAE!

As innovators, investors, and policymakers come together to shape the future of industry, we’re excited to showcase how CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor is helping modernize energy infrastructure with immediate, scalable solutions. ACCC^® Conductor can double transmission capacity in a matter of months - supporting industrial growth, energy efficiency, and sustainability goals.

We look forward to engaging with leaders across key sectors and demonstrating how our advanced conductor technologies can empower the future of manufacturing and energy in the UAE and beyond.

See you in Abu Dhabi!

CTC Global is proud to be a sponsor of ENLIT Africa 2025, taking place May 20–22 in Cape Town, South Africa!

As Africa’s energy sector moves quickly to expand and modernize its grid infrastructure, we’re excited to join the conversation around immediate, scalable solutions like CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor. ACCC^® Conductor can double transmission capacity in a matter of months, supporting both growth and decarbonization goals.

We look forward to connecting with industry leaders and sharing how our advanced conductor solutions can help accelerate progress across Africa’s energy landscape. See you in Cape Town!

CTC Global is proud to be participating in SENDI 2025, taking place May 27-30 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Visit us at Booth 164!

As Latin America’s largest forum for electric energy distribution, SENDI brings together utility leaders, innovators, and policymakers to drive the future of the power sector. We’re excited to showcase how CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor can help utilities expand grid capacity, improve efficiency, and support energy transition goals - delivering solutions in months, not years.

We look forward to connecting with energy professionals from across the region and sharing how our advanced conductor technologies are transforming transmission and distribution networks.

See you in Belo Horizonte!

RECENT EVENTS

We were excited to showcase CTC Global’s innovative solutions at Middle East Energy Dubai 2025, held from April 7–9, 2025. It was a pleasure to join Ducab Metals Business at Za'abeel Hall 2, Stand E30, and share how our cutting-edge technologies are transforming the energy landscape across the globe.

As leaders in high-performance conductor systems, we highlighted our latest advancements in energy transmission, grid modernization, and sustainability. Whether attendees were looking to improve grid efficiency or explore new opportunities for sustainable energy solutions, our team was ready to collaborate and share insights.

The IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Energy and Policy Forum provided an important platform for discussion, analysis, and collaboration on critical issues related to the power grid, energy policy, regulations, sustainability, resilience, and innovation. The event brought together government experts, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and other stakeholders to explore challenges and opportunities in the energy sector and develop strategies for achieving a sustainable and resilient future.

We were especially honored to have our Chief Policy and Grid Strategy Officer, Theodore Paradise, speak at the Forum, where he shared insights on the role of advanced technologies in building a stronger, more efficient grid. Theodore focused on the need for speed in increasing transmission capacity and the change that large customer needs are playing in changing expectations on the needed speed for transmission expansion. It was an outstanding opportunity to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and help catalyze action toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future. Look forward to seeing you at the next event.

CTC Global was honored to participate in the 48th AABE National Conference, held April 28–May 2, 2025, at the Signia by Hilton in Atlanta, GA. This premier event brought together over 1,200 energy professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of energy and foster meaningful connections.​

At our exhibit, we showcased the ACCC^® Conductor, highlighting its role in enhancing grid capacity, efficiency, and resilience. Engaging with attendees, we shared insights on how our advanced conductor solutions contribute to a more sustainable and equitable energy future.​

We extend our gratitude to the American Association of Blacks in Energy for hosting this impactful conference and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing energy solutions.

On April 24–25, 2025, SGCC and the Zhuzhou city government co-hosted a seminar at the Hilton Zhuzhou to advance carbon fiber composite conductor technology. Key SGCC departments, provincial Power Bureaus, NGCP board assistants, EPC firms, design institutes, and media attended to explore large-scale implementation opportunities.

CTC Global presented its latest innovations, with SGCC’s Engineering Research Institute CEO highlighting major progress since 2018. SGCC plans to evaluate select technologies based on safety, maturity, and cost, and will collaborate with chosen suppliers to set future procurement standards. To date, more than 150 ACCC® Conductor installations have taken place in China including a remarkable 1,100 kV DC substation upgrade.

On April 24, CTC Global introduced the ACCC InfoCore® System at a seminar in Bangkok, welcoming representatives from EGAT, PEA, MEA, and other industry stakeholders.

The event highlighted how the ACCC® Conductor and InfoCore® System enhance grid reliability, support renewable integration, and address right-of-way challenges. Special thanks to Mr. Kitti Petchsanthad for his keynote on grid modernization, and to PLP Thailand for showcasing compatible hardware.

CTC Global remains committed to supporting Thailand’s grid transformation with advanced conductor technologies.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORTS

The April 2025 report Incorporating GETs and HPCs into Transmission Planning Under FERC Order 1920, authored by The Brattle Group and Grid Strategies for ACORE, presents a critical roadmap for integrating Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and High-Performance Conductors (HPCs) into long-term U.S. transmission planning. In response to FERC Orders 1920 and 1920-A, which require scenario-based, benefits-driven planning, the report argues that deploying Alternative Transmission Technologies is imperative - not optional - to address rising electricity demand from AI, electrification, and climate stressors.

Drawing from 25 case studies, the report shows how GETs and HPCs can reduce congestion, defer infrastructure costs, and improve reliability. A spotlight on CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor illustrates how HPCs can double capacity, reduce losses, and be deployed rapidly on existing infrastructure. The report calls on regulators, planners, and utilities to urgently adopt these scalable solutions to build an efficient, flexible, fast, and fair grid for the clean energy future.

A new working paper from Resources for the Future, Power Flows, Part 2, reveals just how much transmission congestion is costing the U.S. with billions of dollars in annual generation savings left on the table due to grid constraints​. While the study emphasizes the enormous economic benefits of better transmission and market integration, it also highlights the political and infrastructure hurdles that continue to slow progress.

One immediate way utilities can overcome transmission bottlenecks and unlock stranded renewable generation is by deploying Advanced Conductors like CTC Global’s ACCC^® Conductor. With the ability to double transmission capacity without the need for larger towers or expanded rights-of-way, ACCC^® Conductors offer a proven, efficient solution to help modernize the grid and accelerate the clean energy transition today.

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