Comparing Advanced Cores - Achieving Maximum Grid Capacity

Executive Summary

This paper concludes that steel‑core conductors will continue to lead the market due to their clear advantages in cost, ruggedness, efficiency, and design flexibility across both new construction and reconductoring applications. For new lines, ACSR remains the preferred solution because its low cost enables the use of larger conductors that operate at cooler temperatures with lower losses and reduced sag, eliminating the need for high‑temperature operation. In reconductoring, where capacity increase is the primary objective, ACSS and ACSS/TW/MA5 variants consistently outperform alternatives, offering up to an 82% capacity increase with roughly a 40% cost premium, while remaining compatible with existing fittings and allowing economical structure remediation where needed.