A Novel Composite Insulated Cross-Arm (CICA) Technology for Solving Transmission Challenges

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The joint Northern Virginia/Washington PES Chapter, in cooperation with co-hosting chapters are pleased to host Eric Moal, Chief External Insulation Technical Expert at Shemar Group and Justin Jin, Chief Executive Officer of Shemar USA as guest speakers.  They will be presenting on the topic of Composite Insulated Cross-Arm (CICA), a promising and cost-effective technology for solving transmission challenges.

 

Abstract

As electric grids face mounting pressure from increasing renewable integration, rising peak loads, and extreme weather events, upgrading transmission infrastructure efficiently and cost-effectively is more critical than ever. This presentation introduces the Composite Insulated Cross-Arm (CICA) solution—an innovative grid-enhancing technology designed to address key challenges in transmission line capacity, clearance, and resilience.
 
CICA leverages advanced material science and structural engineering to fundamentally improve both internal and ground clearance, double mechanical strength, and enhance dynamic line rating (DLR) potential. The technology allows utilities to unlock existing line capacity without replacing conductors or expanding right-of-way, significantly reducing construction downtime, permitting needs, and total capital expenditure.
 
Real-world applications from Canada, Chile, the UK, Spain, Brazil, and Belgium demonstrate CICA’s ability to deliver measurable benefits: capacity increases of up to 76%, ground clearance gains of up to 10 feet, and project cost reductions of up to 86% compared to traditional upgrades or rebuilds.
 
CICA is fully compliant with IEEE Standard 2833-2024 and relevant IEC standards, supporting both retrofit and greenfield projects. It stands as a “no-regret” solution for transmission modernization—offering reliability, resilience, and sustainability at scale.
 

A Novel Composite Insulated Cross-Arm (CICA) Technology for Solving Transmission Challenges

 

  Date and Time

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  • Date: 15 May 2025
  • Time: 04:00 PM UTC to 05:30 PM UTC
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  • Starts 02 May 2025 03:00 PM UTC
  • Ends 14 May 2025 03:45 PM UTC
  • No Admission Charge

  Speakers

Eric Moal of Shemar Group

Biography:

Eric Moal serves as the Chief External Insulation Technical Expert at Shemar Group, where he leads the development and standardization of advanced insulation solutions for high-voltage transmission and distribution systems. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Eric is a globally recognized authority on external insulation for overhead lines and substation apparatus.
He earned his Engineering Degree from ENSEM (École Nationale d’Électricité et de Mécanique) in Nancy, France, in 1990. Throughout his career, Eric has contributed extensively to the evolution of composite insulator technologies, supporting utilities and manufacturers worldwide in enhancing grid reliability and resilience.
Eric is actively involved in international standardization efforts. He is a long-standing member of multiple CIGRE working groups in Study Committees B2 (Overhead Lines) and A3 (Substation Equipment), as well as a key contributor to the IEC technical community. He currently serves as:
  • Chair of IEC TC36 (Insulators),
  • Convenor of IEC TC36/MT24 (Substation Composite Insulators),
  • And an expert member of IEC TC112 (Insulating Materials).
His leadership and technical insight continue to shape global best practices for high-voltage insulation systems.

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Justin Jin of Shemar USA

Biography:

Justin Jin is the Chief Executive Officer of Shemar USA, where he leads the company’s North American operations and strategic expansion in the high-voltage transmission and distribution (T&D) sector. With a strong focus on innovation, grid modernization, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
 
He holds a degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science in Philadelphia, PA, and brings a unique blend of technical expertise and global business leadership to his role. Under his guidance, Shemar USA is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Arizona, supporting job creation, domestic resilience, and next-generation grid enhancement.

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