How significant is the impact of climate change on our infrastructure?

As a grid operator, ensuring the reliability of the electricity network is always a top priority. However, the impact of climate change, characterised by increasingly hot summers and shifting soil conditions, is making this an ever more complex challenge. An Italian grid operator experienced this firsthand.

A few years ago, the operator faced a major issue: an unexplained surge in failures of underground MV cable splices. During the summers of 2015 and 2017, the number of failures rose to four times the annual average. This called for a thorough investigation and innovative solutions.

Investigating the causes

Together with the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” the grid operator conducted an in-depth study into the root causes of these failures. The analysis of 66 MV cable splices (both faulty and non-faulty) revealed three key contributing factors:
• Overheating due to high ambient temperatures
• Installation errors, particularly with heat shrink technology
• Environmental factors, such as moisture ingress and water treeing

The conclusion? Enhancing the reliability of these cable splices requires a design that incorporates more robust materials and simpler installation processes.

LoviSil®: a proven solution

Lovink, renowned for its reliable LoviSil® liquid insulation technology, has had numerous discussions with the grid operator in recent years about the unique benefits of LoviSil® cable splices. Lovink was already known to the operator, having previously supplied LoviSil® cable splices successfully in water-rich areas such as Venice. “When we discussed the impact of climate change on cable splices with the grid operator, the penny dropped. Our LoviSil® technology provided exactly what they needed,” explains Export Manager Dennis Jansen.

Why? Because LoviSil® is more resistant to heat and moisture and is also easier to install than traditional heat shrink technology. A few key benefits:
✅ High temperature and partial discharge resistance – Reducing failure risks during extreme heat
✅ Excellent moisture resistance – Tested under 2 bar water pressure, ideal for wet soil conditions
✅ Simple and safe installation – No open flames, minimising the risk of installation errors

From testing to roll-out

In 2023, two pilot installations were carried out in the regions of Livorno and Naples using LoviSil® transition splices. The Asset Management and Innovation departments evaluated the results – and their verdict was clear: LoviSil® performed exceptionally well. Confidence in the solution grew, and the next step is already underway. In the coming months, ‘experimental’ LoviSil® transition splices will be installed at 12 locations across Italy.

Over the next two months, LoviSil® training sessions will be held at these sites in collaboration with training partner Heading Srl. During the first session, installers were particularly impressed with the ease of installation. “We look forward to a successful roll-out of LoviSil® technology in Italy and will closely monitor the evaluations. With this innovation, we are taking an important step towards a more reliable electricity network, even under the challenging conditions of the future,” says Dennis Jansen.