The RICA programme was launched under the UK's transmission innovation framework to address one of the network's defining constraints: a surge of renewable generation seeking grid access at a moment when building new corridors is increasingly limited by land, planning, and lead time. National Grid's strategic answer was to unlock capacity on the assets already in the ground — upgrading selected 275 kV double-circuit routes (L3 and L66 tower designs) to 400 kV operation within the same right-of-way. EMAGE was selected as the lead solution and engineering partner on the strength of an integrated, end-to-end offering, taking responsibility for the full retrofit lifecycle: tower-geometry adaptation, structural and foundation re-verification, RICA engineering, conductor selection, prototype build, type testing, and construction drills. The programme is reviewed and certified by a technical committee comprising National Grid and three other UK network operators — among the most rigorous utility qualification frameworks in the industry — and successful delivery within this environment validates both the maturity of the CICA platform and EMAGE's ability to operate inside the regulatory and technical expectations of tier-one TSOs.
Case Studies
Proven Across Voltage Classes. Validated in Real Grid Operations.
From 2009 to 2019, CICA underwent a decade of pilot applications across over 100 projects, covering all voltage levels and various operating conditions. Its solid project track record has fully verified the technical reliability and mature solution performance. Since 2019, CICA has evolved from limited small-scale trials into full-scale comprehensive application across entire transmission lines and complete engineering projects.
UK RICA 275→400kV Upgrade
Unlocking 400 kV capacity within existing 275 kV corridors
Case Studies
Safer, more economical and more environmentally friendly
Chile 500kV Live Retrofit Project
EMAGE delivered the world’s first live retrofit project for CICA products on a critical 500kV transmission line in Chile. By increasing conductor-to-ground clearance by 6.56 ft while the line remained energized, the project proved CICA's ability to upgrade critical transmission infrastructure without service interruption.
Spain 220kV Canary Retrofit Project
Spain's first CICA tower application demonstrated the value of new-material insulated cross-arms in harsh island environments. Designed for Class E pollution level, the project increased ground clearance by 9.84 ft while improving pollution resistance and long-term insulation reliability.