Insight into technologies in electrical insulation toward the middle of the 21/sup st/ century

The paper describes an insight into technologies in electrical insulation toward the middle of the 21/sup st/ century on the basis of the detailed analysis and synthesis of social and technical requirements for power delivery business. It is concluded that the following categories of R&D should be taken into consideration: (1) Cost Reduction and Quality Improvement of Matured Technologies, (2) Substitute and Improved Technologies for Environmental Protection, (3) Advanced Technologies and Materials for New System Approach, (4) Aging & Degradation and Fundamental Performances, and (5) Methods for LCA Evaluation and Modern Maintenance.