23.10.2024 | Aluminium Association

The further development of the Far East can be based on a variety of innovative solutions derived from aluminium alloys, including pre-fabricated structures, urban and transport infrastructure, lighting, and cable and wire products. This opinion was expressed during the 'Aluminium Innovations in Outdoor Lighting and Infrastructure Facilities: Far East 2024' research and practice conference, held in Vladivostok. The event was organised by the Aluminium Association, the Outdoor Lighting Association, and the Moskabelmet Group.

'The aluminium industry supplies products to various energy sectors. Recently, we have developed a wide range of cable products made from aluminium alloys. They can be used in challenging natural and climatic conditions in various fields such as residential construction, oil and gas industry, street lighting, and many others where increased reliability is essential. Extensive landscaping work is being done, including with lighting. This area offers a wide range of innovative aluminium-based solutions for the urban environment. This creates ample opportunities for introducing contemporary technologies into the city and implementing major infrastructure projects,' stated Elena Shish, Acting Minister of Energy of the Primorye Territory, in her welcoming speech.

'The construction industry is all about creating favourable and comfortable living conditions. This calls for high-quality materials and, of course, innovation. When it comes to aluminium, its qualities such as light weight, strength, and the ability to take on any shape make it highly sought after and very popular in construction. Construction is a key market segment, accounting for 25% of all aluminium consumption. Meanwhile, 80% of the world's aluminium is still in use after being reprocessed. Today, Russia offers a wide range of aluminium-based solutions for construction. Aluminium is successfully used for various purposes, including interior finishing materials, facade and interior cladding, and elements of urban and transport infrastructure. It is also important for buildings and premises to be energy-efficient and affordable during their lifetime,' said Elena Perizhogina, First Deputy Minister of Construction of the Primorye Territory.

In recent years, the Russian aluminium industry has been introducing innovative solutions to the market, designed to save money, be friendly to the environment, and be efficient across the entire life cycle. Among them are modern cable and wire products made of 8xxx-series alloys. These products are used in the construction of contemporary residential and commercial buildings. Depending on the cable's cross-section, savings in the construction of a residential complex can reach up to 60% while maintaining the same level of quality. The possibilities for decorating aluminium, the wide range of available colours, and the reduced cost of installation can make it a great option for renovating or creating new urban and park spaces in the region. The Alumpark company offers a wide range of solutions for outdoor lighting, such as conical and cylindrical supports, as well as off-the-shelf integrated solutions for parks, squares, and other public spaces.

Aluminium and copper are the main materials used in electrical engineering. However, due to the rising cost of copper in recent years, aluminium has become a more attractive option. According to experts, the use of aluminium-based alloys can reduce the cost of the conductor by at least five times compared to copper alternatives with the same conductivity. Owing to their properties, 8xxx-series aluminium alloys offer a range of benefits, including dependability, longevity, and resistance to low-temperature creep. In practice, this means that the resistance to kinks is similar to that of traditionally used copper. It also ensures high reliability of contact connections.

The conference participants also highlighted the potential of aluminium-based solutions for urban development projects in the Far East. Aluminium is a material that becomes stronger in harsh environments. It can be the foundation for large-scale infrastructure projects and pre-fabricated structures. Russian companies are already involved in the implementation of national projects for construction, landscaping, improving the safety and comfort of citizens on public roads. This has allowed Russia to become a leader in products that meet the highest international standards. In some areas, we have made veritable technological breakthroughs. In 2023, the first aluminium alloy road bridge in our country was introduced in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Pre-fabricated structures are another aspect of technological independence. In just 2-3 months, bus stations, hangars for repairing or storing equipment, modular hotels and their infrastructure, and more can be built on any flat surface. Pre-fabricated pedestrian bridges usually take no more than a day to install.

As part of the business agenda, the conference participants highlighted a wide range of innovative aluminium-based solutions for urban improvement. These included lighting poles, luminaires, cable trays, car charging station housings, cables made of 8xxx-series alloys, and more. These products have a long service life, they can be seamlessly integrated into the design of a park or street, and they don't require any special care during operation. The development of park spaces can also involve the establishment of bicycle parks and installation of public-use training machines. Made with aluminum, they maintain their original appearance throughout their entire life cycle. Even in the harsh climatic conditions of the Far East, these products will last for a long time.

A special alloy 8376 was developed in collaboration with municipal lighting services as part of ANO events. Compared to alloy 8176, this new material has better electrical properties. The use of ethylene propylene rubber insulation allowed to solve the problem of inserting aluminum cables into supports and establish a strong partnership with the manufacturers of those supports. Currently, test programs have been created in line with the internal regulations of municipal lighting services. The next step is to conduct pilot operations. Moskabelmet Group highlighted that its innovative cable products have already been delivered to various facilities in Moscow, including Rudnevo Park, Aleshkinsky Forest, and for the construction of future driveways in the Molzhaninovo neighbourhood. They have also been used in the landscaping of the Novokosino district. The total length of cable installed has already exceeded 30 km. According to experts, by 2025, the 8xxx-series alloy cable consumption will be at least 70 km in Moscow. Additionally, trial operations will be launched in other municipal lighting services across the country. This is made possible by the development of a wide range of products with excellent corrosion resistance, light weight, economic efficiency, and high aesthetic properties. These products include aluminium cable trays and accessories systems, terminal boxes, weatherproof outdoor enclosures, thermoinsulated cabinets, EV charging stations, and aluminium charging cables.

The event was attended by Acting Minister of Energy of the Primorye Territory Elena Shish, First Deputy Minister of Construction Elena Perizhogina, experts from Moskabelmet Group, Alumpark, Kangaroo Pro, MGK Svetovye Tekhnologii, Brightelec, Niled, Polyplastic-DV, the region's municipal lighting services, and experts of the Aluminium Association and the Outdoor Lighting Association.