With the rapid expansion of cities and the increasing global shift towards renewable energy, the cable industry is on track for unprecedented growth. Demand for power cables alone is set to reach new highs, driven by the need to support a greener, more interconnected world.
By 2030, the market for renewable energy is expected to triple, creating a wave of opportunity for companies like Ducab Group. Not only are they gearing up to meet the surging demand, but they are also playing an active role in building the infrastructure that will power a sustainable future.
“The cable industry is set to experience explosive growth, particularly in sectors like energy transmission and generation,” says Charles Mellagui, CEO of Ducab Cable Business. “From utility-scale solar firms to electric vehicles, the need for efficient energy transmission is more critical than ever.”
In the GCC, renewable energy capacity currently stands at around 4,000 MW, but by 2030, that figure is expected to triple to 12,000 MW, driving unprecedented demand for cables.
“This isn’t just about scaling up,” Mellagui explains during a recent discussion with Utility Business MENA on the sidelines of the 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX). “What we see is an increase in demand fuelled by innovations around power generation and transmission. As we bring more solar farms, wind power, and electric vehicles online, the cables connecting these systems must evolve as well. They need to be smarter, more efficient, and capable of handling greater loads.”
Ducab is already positioning itself to meet this shift in demand. The company’s extensive portfolio includes both traditional and renewable energy cables, which are essential for power generation, transmission, and distribution.
“We are currently supporting over 30 renewable energy projects worldwide,” Mellagui says. “One of the most notable is Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the largest solar parks globally.”
He points out the urgent need for stronger transmission networks to support this growth. With many countries now diversifying their energy mix, reliable connections between energy sources and consumers have become a necessity, and that is where cables have a key role to play.
“In the Middle East, cross-border energy interconnections are still developing, but they are quickly becoming essential for efficient energy distribution,” Mellagui says. “It is a model we see working well in Europe, where interconnected grids allow for better management of energy supply and demand.”
The ongoing push for improved interconnectivity across the GCC is expected to fuel investments in high-voltage cable solutions, and Ducab is well-prepared to seize the opportunity, ensuring the region stays ahead in the global energy transition.
For instance, Ducab’s high-voltage unit, Ducab HV, is already supporting Dubai’s power distribution by supplying over 6,758 km of cables to DEWA. “Our collaboration with DEWA directly supports Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy, which targets generating 75% of the city’s power from clean sources by 2050,” Mellagui points out.
But it is not just the energy sector driving demand for advanced cable solutions. Rail mobility is gaining momentum as electric rail systems offer a greener alternative. Projects such as the UAE’s Etihad Rail are reshaping transportation and creating new demand for Ducab’s industrial cables.
The oil and gas sector, traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, is also undergoing a transformation. Platforms and refineries are shifting towards electrification, seeking more sustainable energy solutions.
“We’re witnessing a significant move towards shore-based electrification for offshore platforms, requiring both subsea and onshore cables to transmit power efficiently,” says Mellagui.
Ducab’s PetroBICC range, tailored for the oil and gas industry, is playing a key role in supporting this transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
Perhaps one of the most exciting trends impacting the cable market is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Today, there are about 30 million EVs on the road globally, but that number is projected to rise to 1.5 billion by 2050. This level of growth will demand a complete transformation of the energy grid, and cables will be at the heart of this overhaul, according to Mellagui. In line with this trend, Ducab is already supplying cables for EV infrastructure, ensuring efficient transmission of energy from renewable sources to charging stations.
The future of cable technology will also be largely shaped by the increasing demand for smart cables. No longer just conduits for electricity, intelligent cables can measure energy usage, monitor temperature, and even optimise energy consumption.
“The cables of tomorrow will be an integral part of smart grids,” explains Mellagui. “They will not just transmit power, but they will interact with the grid to reduce energy waste and help achieve critical energy efficiency targets.”
These innovations are set to transform the cable market and further drive growth. In Saudi Arabia, the market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2022 and 2027, according to recent industry reports. Meanwhile, the UAE’s market is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2024, driven by infrastructure investments and economic diversification.
The growth in demand extends beyond the energy sector, touching real estate, hospitality, and tourism, sectors that are driving the region’s economic transformation.
A major pillar of Ducab’s ongoing success is its strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. As a key player in the UAE’s Operation 300bn—a national strategy aimed at boosting the industrial sector’s GDP contribution—Ducab has aligned itself with the region’s long-term vision of reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.
“Our focus is very clear, and that is to actively support the UAE’s Clean Energy Strategy and facilitate the region’s energy transition,” says Mellagui. “We are heavily investing in research and development to ensure that our cables not only meet the highest reliability standards but are also sustainable.”
While artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly emerging as a game-changer across numerous industries, when it comes to the cable industry, its role is more of an enabler than a disruptor. While traditional cables might be here to stay, Mellagui says that AI offers the potential to add transformative capabilities, moving beyond the simple supply of cables to providing comprehensive, intelligent solutions.
“AI is not here to replace cables,” says Mellagui. “Instead, it is here to enhance our operations and transform how we approach everything from production to supply chain management.” For a long time, the cable industry has focused on the mechanics of delivering cables to clients, but Mellagui envisions a future where Ducab is more involved in transmitting power efficiently across both land and sea.
Mellagui is enthusiastic about how AI will shape the future of the company and the broader industry, pointing out the far-reaching possibilities offered by the integration of AI into the cable industry.
“Imagine AI streamlining the supply chain, ensuring that raw materials are sourced intelligently and more efficiently than ever before. Instead of adhering to traditional methods by sourcing new materials, conducting production, testing, and then delivering cables, AI could suggest using existing resources within the system, thus saving time, money, and reducing waste,” says Mellagui.
According to Mellagui, AI could also go as far as recommending new processes, materials, and testing methods by analysing internal data alongside vast external databases.
He explains that Ducab has already taken the first steps into AI and Industry 4.0 with its Blade system, adding that this is just the beginning. As it adds more layers of intelligence, Ducab is building a connected system where everything from production to customer interaction is seamlessly integrated.
“This AI-driven approach is not just about improving efficiency but about creating a more sustainable, forward-looking business model,” Mellagui says. “Ducab’s embrace of AI and Industry 4.0 reflects its commitment to maintaining its position as an innovative leader in the cable industry. By fully integrating AI, the company aims to stay agile, responsive, and future-proof.”
As Ducab focuses on innovation, it recognises that it operates in a world where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity, making this principle a fundamental part of its business strategy.
Ducab’s sustainability goals extend beyond its operational boundaries. The company is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045, a challenge that Mellagui acknowledges is ambitious but necessary for the future of the industry and the planet.
The company is addressing both Scope 1 emissions and Scope 2 emissions, with plans to tackle Scope 3 in the near future. To ensure these efforts are not just hollow promises, Ducab is preparing for Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) certification, a move that will give credibility to its carbon reduction plans.
“We have laid out a detailed roadmap to achieve net zero emissions by 2045,” Mellagui says. “We are preparing for certifications with international bodies like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to track our emissions annually.”
The company has also teamed up with partners like Schneider Electric to implement innovative sustainability practices. Schneider Electric will assist Ducab in developing a comprehensive ESG and Climate Strategy to achieve major reductions in carbon emissions across all operational scopes.
According to Mellagui, sustainability is not just about cutting emissions but about embedding eco-friendly practices into every aspect of the business, from the materials it uses to how it interacts with suppliers.
This holistic approach is essential as Ducab aims to maintain its leadership position in the UAE while also looking to expand its influence globally. Mellagui points out the importance of both geographical expansion and product innovation as integral components of Ducab’s growth strategy.
“We are proud to be a champion of the UAE, but our eyes are set on becoming a global champion,” Mellagui says. “To do this, we are focusing on expanding our capabilities in several areas, including high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, DC cables, and submarine technology.”
Ducab’s global strategy is as much about technology as it is about geography. The company is already making strides in key international markets, having entered India last year, with plans to strengthen its footprint in North Africa, North America, and Europe.
Last year, Ducab Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading Moroccan engineering firm Somagec Group to develop power, transmission systems, and electrification in Angola.
The ongoing expansion is part of a broader plan to offer not just cables but also value-added services, including software solutions that help clients integrate their electrical infrastructure seamlessly.
“We are not just selling cables; we are selling solutions too,” Mellagui notes. “Our partnerships with major clients like Alstom, Siemens, and GE Vernova allow us to co-innovate and deliver comprehensive services beyond basic commodities.”
The global expansion is closely tied to Ducab’s ambition to be among the top five players in the global cable industry, with a strategy rooted in both geographical reach and cutting-edge technologies.
However, as Mellagui explains, the company’s success does not stem solely from its size or international ambitions, but from a steadfast commitment to quality and value. Since its inception, the company has adhered to the principle that quality is non-negotiable.
This dedication extends across every department, from production to finance and human resources.
“Quality is the foundation of everything we do,” Mellagui says. “It is embedded in our operations, from the cables we produce to the way we manage our relationships with clients.”
Ducab’s strategy is value-driven, focusing on creating sustainable growth by fostering close partnerships with its key accounts.
By co-innovating with strategic clients, the company ensures it is not just offering cables but delivering tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry. This value-driven approach differentiates Ducab from its competitors and helps maintain its leadership position in a highly competitive market, according to Mellagui.
“Cables alone can become commoditised,” says Mellagui. “What sets us apart is our ability to provide services, support, and innovative solutions that go beyond the product itself.”
As the cable industry faces unprecedented changes, Ducab continues to position itself as a leader, not only responding to current market demands but shaping the future of energy.
“The future of energy is smart, efficient, and sustainable,” Mellagui says confidently. “And cables will be at the heart of making that future a reality.”
