CTC Global’s advanced composite-core ACCC conductor has been installed on a 20 kV overhead line in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, where steep slopes and significant elevation changes complicated the refurbishment. As reported in an article published by CTC Global, the Vogel Nihalka–Rjava Skala project involved replacing an existing steel conductor across approximately 1.6 kilometres of mountainous terrain.
The line comprises three spans, with the longest measuring approximately 600 metres and an elevation difference of 969 metres along the route. The project team selected ACCC Skadar conductor to replace the existing 70 mm² steel conductor while retaining the original supporting structures, avoiding the need for additional structural construction in the difficult-to-access area.
The conductor features a hybrid carbon and glass fiber-reinforced composite core surrounded by aluminium strands. The composite core combines high tensile strength with low weight and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, helping limit conductor sag as operating temperatures rise. The aluminium configuration also supports electrical efficiency by providing a larger conductive cross-section.
Approximately 4,710 metres of ACCC Skadar conductor were supplied for the single-circuit, three-phase line. The conductor has a composite core diameter of approximately 8.13 mm and an overall diameter of 13.28 mm. These characteristics supported the project’s mechanical requirements while allowing the existing line structures to remain in service.
The installation involved several international partners. Lamifil manufactured the conductor, Dalekovod OSO supplied the hardware, and ENS Ljubljana carried out the reconductoring work. Engineering support came from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Ljubljana, with additional participation from Elektro Merkur and CTC Global’s installation specialist Nathaniel Hutton. The work was completed over five days, from September 21 to 25, 2026.
The project demonstrates how composite-core conductors can be used in distribution infrastructure where terrain, span length and access constraints create challenges for conventional conductor replacement. While ACCC technology is also used to increase capacity and reduce line losses in transmission networks, its combination of low weight, tensile strength and reduced thermal expansion can be valuable in mountainous installations where retaining existing structures is a priority.
Source: CTC Global | News
