Advancing Grid Modernization Through Innovation
Theย Prysmian ARPA-E funding projectย marks a major step toward modernizing the U.S. power grid.ย Prysmian Groupย has securedย $4.5 million in fundingย from theย U.S. Department of Energyโs Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). This investment supports Prysmianโs development of advanced underground power grid technology aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and reliability.
GOPHURRS Program Supports the Prysmian ARPA-E Funding Project
This funding is part of ARPA-Eโsย Grid Overhaul with Proactive, High-speed Undergrounding for Reliability, Resilience, and Security (GOPHURRS)ย program. The initiative focuses on upgrading Americaโs aging electrical infrastructure throughย cost-effective, fast, and safe undergrounding technologies.
โWe know that by undergrounding our grid, we can create a more resilient and reliable U.S. power network,โ saidย Dr. Evelyn N. Wang, ARPA-E Director. Her statement highlights the urgency of improving grid reliability while preparing for future energy demands.
Developing a Hands-Free Cable Splicing Machine
Prysmianโs project centers on the creation of aย hands-free power cable splicing machineย designed to operate within underground vaults. This innovative equipment will allow technicians to perform cable splices remotely, reducing exposure to confined spaces and enhancing workplace safety.
The company aims to lowerย splicing-related medium-voltage network failuresโcurrently responsible for 60โ80% of such issuesโto below 5%. In addition, the technology willย reduce energy lossesย caused by splice failures, ensuring more efficient power delivery.
โOur automated splicing machine represents a major advancement in grid modernization,โ saidย Andrea Pirondini, CEO ofย Prysmian North America. โBy addressing the challenges of underground cable maintenance, weโre driving innovation that strengthens safety, resilience, and long-term network performance.โ
Collaboration with Con Edison and Exelon
Prysmian will collaborate withย Con Edisonย andย Exelon, two leading U.S. investor-owned utilities. Together, these partnerships will help test and refine the underground splicing system for large-scale implementation.
โWe remain committed to investing in technologies that advance energy resilience,โ saidย Dr. Srinivas Siripurapu, Chief Innovation Officer at Prysmian and principal investigator for the project. โThrough collaboration and innovation, weโre building a sustainable grid ready to meet future challenges.โ
