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PRYSMIAN GROUP | DIRECTORS’ REPORT
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In the Netherlands the P-Laser system completed its qualification for the 50 kV load class, representing a
significant portion of the country's power transmission network.
T&I
. The focus of R&D for the T&I business is concentrated on 4 main strategic drivers:
1.
SAFETY: CPR (Construction Products Regulation), with intensive testing activities for the market
launch of CE marked products from July 2017; the introduction of the new Afumex+ cable in
Argentina with improved design and performance; the extension of the portfolio and certifications of
fire-resistant low-smoke cables for the Middle East, ASEAN and Nordics;
2.
QUALITY: extension of the "Attention! All cables are not the same" initiatives to improve product
safety and usage through continuous benchmarking with competitors, direct contact with installers
and extended educational campaigns. This includes the new initiative by Prysmian Turkey focused
on cables for renewables, new demonstration equipment and the start of the testing of competitor
cables in preparation for the campaign's 2015/16 launch in Australia, Spain, UK, Italy and the
Netherlands;
3.
SUSTAINABILITY: application of Brazil's Afumex Green technology to 1 kV cables and launch of the
new "building wire Green Dream" in China;
4.
TIME SAVING: expansion of the range of "Easy-to-Install" products in France with the new BW 4fil
and countrywide activities to improve flexibility and ease of peeling that have already received a
strong market response.
Oil & Gas
.
One of the key R & D initiatives for the Oil & Gas business has been the harmonisation of the
more important products for the principal business segments (upstream topside & downstream). In the case
of upstream topside applications (drilling platforms), some countries, especially China and Brazil, have
significantly increased their demands for localisation. This is why we are developing a comprehensive
harmonised portfolio of offshore cables that meet NEK606 standards. The resulting global product line will be
able to simplify framework agreements, make the management of production more flexible and improve
inventory management including through the use of distribution centres. Product harmonisation for the
Onshore Downstream business (refining and petrochemical plants) also continued in 2015, with the design
and implementation of a comprehensive approach to managing macro projects using centralised designs,
but based on a multi-sourcing method of production. This approach has required the transfer of high-end
technology between the various production units and the development of new high-performance products.
The most significant examples are the "Arctic Onshore" low-temperature technology used in the Yamal LNG
project, and the series of advanced solutions for medium and low voltage fire-resistant cables, as well as
instrumentation and control cables, tailored to the specifications of each project.
With reference to market niches for highly specialised products, new-generation advanced materials and
designs have been launched for the Motor Lead and Flat ESP cables which are extra resistant to corrosion
from aggressive chemicals and high temperatures. In addition, the area of onshore and offshore drilling
systems has seen continued development of customised high performance solutions using relevant
procedures and specific testing apparatus to ensure their reliability. The Prysmian Group owns the
BOSTDRIVE™ high-end technology specially developed for these systems.