The agreement provides for studies to demonstrate the benefits of composite utility poles for energy distribution companies. Erika Bernardino Aprá and Marcos Madureira, presidents of Almaco and Abradee, respectively, took part in the signing ceremony, which also included the presence of Lindemberg Reis (Abradee) and Maximiliano Andres Orfali, president of the research center Lactec, along with representatives from Almaco member companies such as ALTA Performance Materials, ASW, CPIC, Ecofibra, Enmac, Polynt, Oswaldo Cruz Química, Owens Corning and Technofix.
The initiative was led by Almaco’s Utility Pole Committee, a group that has spearheaded several efforts aimed at modernising electric infrastructure with lighter, more durable and sustainable solutions. The committee previously facilitated studies conducted by Lactec that demonstrated the improved resilience of power grids using GFRP poles—particularly under extreme weather conditions.
“We are laying the groundwork for a lighter, more durable and more resilient power infrastructure. Our goal is to prove that GFRP poles are the ideal solution for modernising electricity distribution networks,” said Almaco President Erika Bernardino Aprá.
For Abradee President Marcos Madureira, the challenge of improving grid resilience in the face of extreme climate events is ongoing. “With over 99% of Brazil’s electric networks being overhead, poles are a critical component. We need solutions that can withstand stronger winds and falling branches,” he stated. He also emphasised the importance of the partnership with Almaco. “This joint effort, supported by Lactec, has great potential to enable a more resilient solution for the sector.“
The agreement marks a strategic step toward modernising distribution networks and consolidating GFRP as a viable technological alternative for the electric sector, with direct benefits in operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
about Almaco
Founded in 1981, the Latin American Composite Materials Association (Almaco) is dedicated to representing, promoting, and strengthening the sustainable development of the composites industry. Headquartered in Brazil, with regional offices in Chile, Argentina, and Colombia, Almaco has around 400 members, including companies, organizations, and students. In partnership with the Institute for Technological Research (IPT), Almaco also maintains CETECOM, the largest composites technology center in Latin America.
Composites are materials made of a combination of polymers and reinforcements—such as glass fiber—known for their high mechanical and chemical resistance, as well as design flexibility. There are more than 70,000 registered applications worldwide, ranging from water tanks, pipes, and wind turbine blades to parts for boats, buses, trains, and airplanes.
about Abradee
The Brazilian Association of Electricity Distributors (Abradee) is a private, non-profit civil association representing 42 state-owned and private power distribution concessionaires across all regions of Brazil. These companies serve more than 90 million customers, covering 99.6% of Brazilian electricity consumers.
based in Brasília, Abradee provides technical, commercial, financial, legal, and institutional support to its members. It also plays a key role in fostering dialogue between its members and stakeholders, including the government, regulatory agencies, parliament, the press, and other key players in the energy sector, advocating for the industry’s needs and priorities.