Epsilon Composite, a global specialist in carbon fiber pultrusion, and Toray Carbon Fibers Europe, a subsidiary of Toray Industries and Europe’s largest carbon fiber producer, have reached a new milestone in their 15-year collaboration to promote composite core conductor technology for power grid modernization. 

The two France-based companies have been working together since 2010 on HVCRC® (High Voltage Carbon Reinforced Conductor) technology, which replaces traditional metal cables with advanced carbon fiber composites. Their solution has now been selected for a major framework agreement with Dutch transmission operator TenneT to overhaul the entire 400 kV high-voltage grid by 2030. 

The HVCRC® cable features a carbon fiber composite core using Torayca® carbon fiber, offering a combination of strength, thermal stability, and low weight. These properties allow for significantly increased transmission capacity—often doubling existing line performance—without the need for costly and time-consuming infrastructure expansion. Compared to traditional aluminum-steel conductors, these composite cables also deliver a 30% reduction in electrical losses, improved climate resilience, and a lower risk of wildfire ignition. 

“This is not just about replacing old technology,” said Alexandre Lull, Deputy CEO of Epsilon Composite. “It’s about leveraging advanced composite materials to deliver faster, greener, and more efficient electrification.” 

This long-term supply agreement was established following a competitive tender launched in 2024. TenneT selected cable manufacturers Nexans and DeAngeli Prodotti—both partnered with Epsilon—to produce the HVCRC® conductors. The framework prioritizes sustainability across the entire supply chain, requiring detailed life cycle assessments (LCAs) to minimize carbon emissions and environmental impact. Epsilon’s longstanding focus on eco-efficient manufacturing and transparent carbon reporting helped secure the contract. 

Initial implementation is underway with two pilot projects validating both conductor performance and Corecheck®, Epsilon’s proprietary quality assurance system designed to inspect and validate the structural integrity of the composite core throughout production and installation. 

“After 40 years of collaboration, including 15 on composite core conductors, our partnership with Toray places French composite expertise at the center of the global energy transition,” Lull added. 

Epsilon Composite and Toray Carbon Fibers Europe represent a strong, export-driven industrial base rooted in France, with Epsilon’s manufacturing headquartered in Gaillan-en-Médoc and Toray’s major carbon fiber plant located in Lacq. Both companies continue to invest in capacity and research and development to meet the rising demand. Toray is currently finalizing its sixth carbon fiber production line, set to go online by the end of 2025, securing Europe’s access to this critical material. 

“We are proud to support Epsilon on this landmark project,” said Armin Klesing, Marketing and Sales Director at Toray Carbon Fibers Europe. “HVCRC® technology is helping shape the future of sustainable electrification across Europe and beyond.” 

Source: toray-cfe.com