Powering Italy’s Green Transition: Key Insights from the Italy Cable Tray Market
The cable tray sector is emerging as a vital backbone of Italy's shift towards renewable energy and modernization of its power infrastructure. According to the latest study by Marks & Sparks solutions, the Italian cable tray market is expected to grow significantly, driven by sustainable energy projects, grid upgrades, and a push for digitization.
Market Growth at a Glance
Total sales for cable tray units in Italy for 2023 were 2.81 million units. This number is forecast to nearly double to 5.60 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% over this forecast period. This growth is not just about the rise in units; it reflects a more profound structural change. Italy has been pursuing the European Green Deal, which has led to new investments in renewable energy. These renewable energy projects include solar farms in the south to offshore wind projects, all of which require reliable cable management systems.
Drivers behind the Surge
• Expansion in Renewable Energy: As Italy adds more solar, wind, and hydro capacity, cable trays have become essential. These systems support the routing of power, control, and communication systems in power plants, substations, and critical infrastructure. In response to this demand, manufacturers are now innovating with more durable, corrosion-resistant materials, including galvanized steel, stainless steel, and fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), which are gaining ground in particularly harsh and coastal environments.
• Smart Grid and Digitization: With Italy investing in digital power systems and grid modernization, organized cable is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Modern grids require clean, safe, and well-managed cabling for monitoring, automation, and control, with cable trays playing a central role.
• Infrastructure and Industrial Needs: Beyond energy and industrial automation, infrastructure projects are driving demand for more structured, reliable cable roots. As factories upgrade and build buildings, digital cable management has become an essential factor in design and safety.
Cost Dynamics: What Shapes Pricing
The cost structure in the Italian cable tray market is strongly influenced by labor and material.
• Raw materials, including steel, aluminum, and FRP, account for 40-55% of the total project cost.
• Installation accounts for 20-30% of the cost, primarily due to the complex building sites in Italy, support needs, and strict fire regulations.
• Fittings and accessories, which include elbows, hangers, and connectors, add another 8-15% to the total.
• Surface Treatment for corrosion protection, especially in coastal and industrial areas, further increases the cost. Additionally, logistical challenges such as access to sites and handling long tray segments also play a role in the cost structure.
• Finally, engineering, testing, commissioning, and EPC margins account for 10-15%of capital expenditure.
Product Type Trends
According to the report, the Italian cable tray market represents a well-balanced mix of tray types in which key segments include:
• Ladder trays: 32% share and favored due to their high load industrial settings, due to their strength, and heat dissipation
• Perforated Trays: 24% is ideal for commercial use, and it provides ventilation and protection
• Solid bottom trays: 11.5% is more common in data centers, chemical plants, and other environments where it is critical to shield from dust or moisture.
• Wire Mesh Trays: 95. This is more popular in IT and telecom installations, where fast installation and flexibility are essential.
• Smaller shares go to channel trays (7.5%), trough trays (6%), single-rail trays (5%), and other specialized products (4.5%), which are used in niche industries.
This diversification reflects multiple infrastructure needs in Italy, ranging from heavy industry to small buildings.
Why This Matters
What makes the cable tray market especially important today is its strategic role in supporting Italy's energy and infrastructure ambitions. As the country moves towards renewable energy, smart goals, and industrial automation, these cable trays are not just passive components of electrical infrastructure; instead, they help ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term durability.
