NEWARK, Del., October 9, 2026. The global Direct Burial Cables Market is projected to grow from USD 7.9 billion in 2026 to USD 14.3 billion by 2036, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period, according to Future Market Insights (FMI). The market is expected to generate an incremental opportunity of USD 6.4 billion over the decade as utilities, telecom operators and industrial project developers expand underground infrastructure.

Demand is being supported by electricity grid reinforcement, feeder replacement, renewable energy connections and broadband network construction. These projects require cables designed for direct soil installation, where moisture, soil chemistry, mechanical stress and limited access after trench closure influence product selection and installation costs.

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Infrastructure investment supports demand

Underground network projects are translating infrastructure plans into cable procurement requirements. Ofgem's January 30, 2026, project assessment for the Bramford to Twinstead project identifies 11 kilometres of underground cable, illustrating how grid reinforcement programs can create demand for cable supply, jointing and installation services.

The economics of buried cable projects depend on more than the initial purchase price. Once a trench is closed, replacing an unsuitable cable or repairing a failed joint can require excavation and restoration work. Buyers therefore need to consider installation conditions, cable specifications and maintenance access during the design stage.

Grid and broadband construction represent key demand drivers. However, soil-specific engineering and the cost of correcting installation errors remain important considerations for utilities, contractors and cable manufacturers.

Where growth is fastest

Country forecasts reflect differences in infrastructure investment, network replacement requirements and installation conditions. FMI profiles the following growth rates for 2026 to 2036:

• Brazil — 5.8% CAGR: Transmission network expansion supports demand, with long routes and varied soil conditions increasing the importance of staged inventory and field support. Empresa de Pesquisa Energética reported in 2026 that 5,582 kilometres of transmission lines entered service during 2025.
• United Kingdom — 5.5% CAGR: Network replacement and reinforcement programs support demand. Ofgem reported in May 2026 that Great Britain's distribution network spans approximately 800,000 kilometres and serves around 30 million customers.
• United States — 5.1% CAGR: Utility distribution renewal supports demand, although decentralized procurement, regional permitting and contractor coordination can affect delivery schedules.
• Germany — 4.8% CAGR: Transmission development, including underground high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, supports demand for cable systems requiring detailed route planning and soil surveys.
• Japan — 4.5% CAGR: Undergrounding initiatives support adoption, while dense urban roads, restricted work areas and coordination with existing utilities can lengthen project preparation.

These forecasts highlight different procurement priorities across markets. Suppliers and buyers need to account for project schedules, local installation conditions and the availability of qualified installation support rather than relying on growth rates alone.

What leads the market

Power cables, low-voltage systems, XLPE insulation and utility distribution are the leading segments identified in FMI's 2026 estimates.

• Power cables — 39.0% share: Power cables lead by cable type as utilities replace buried feeders and expand electricity distribution networks.
• Low-voltage cables — 47.0% share: Low-voltage products lead by voltage rating, supported by recurring building connections and equipment feeds.
• XLPE — 34.0% share: Cross-linked polyethylene insulation leads the insulation and jacket category, reflecting its established use across buried distribution systems and different voltage classes.
• Utility distribution — 34.0% share: Utility distribution leads by application as network extensions and feeder replacement require cables for underground electricity delivery.

The figures refer to separate segmentation categories and should not be added together. Each represents a share within its respective category.

The hurdle: Site conditions can raise lifetime costs

The main restraint is the cost and technical risk associated with selecting cables for unsuitable installation environments. Wet or corrosive soil can increase moisture or chemical exposure, while rocky terrain can raise abrasion risks during cable installation. Incorrect jacket specifications or joint selection can increase the likelihood and cost of repairs.

These challenges are particularly important where trenches are difficult to reopen or where repairs disrupt electricity distribution and other network services. Manufacturers and project contractors can address part of this challenge through soil assessment, appropriate cable construction, installation guidance and route-specific test evidence.

FMI identifies technical support as an opportunity for manufacturers seeking to improve product qualification and convert project requirements into orders.

Industry investment and recent developments

Investment in manufacturing capacity, testing infrastructure and underground cable projects is supporting the industry's ability to serve infrastructure requirements. FMI identifies three developments:

• November 2025: Southwire announced a 340,000-square-foot expansion in Heflin, intended to increase medium-voltage capacity, with the expansion scheduled for 2027.
• July 2025: NKT began building a high-voltage test centre in Karlskrona for system qualification projects.
• March 2025: Prysmian Group secured an agreement with Statnett for 420 kV underground systems, including installation.

These developments concern different parts of the cable supply chain, from production capacity and testing to project delivery. They should be understood as individual company activities rather than evidence of a single coordinated industry program.

Companies profiled by FMI include Prysmian Group, Nexans, Southwire, Sumitomo Electric Industries, LS Cable & System, Furukawa Electric, NKT and Belden. Their activities span power cables, underground transmission systems, cable testing and communication infrastructure.

Analyst perspective

“Direct burial cable economics are set primarily during route design, not at the purchase order. Engineers should match soil chemistry, pulling stress and joint access before comparing conductor price because reopening a trench can erase initial savings.”

— Sudip Saha, Principal Consultant, Future Market Insights

What this means for utility buyers, telecom operators and project contractors

The forecast points to three practical priorities for organisations planning underground cable projects.

1. Specify cables around site conditions. Assess soil moisture, chemical exposure, terrain and pulling requirements before selecting insulation, jackets and protective construction. This can reduce the risk of expensive corrections after trench closure.
2. Align procurement with installation schedules. Coordinate cable availability, jointing requirements, contractor capacity and route approvals early. This is particularly relevant for long transmission corridors and projects with restricted work windows.
3. Evaluate lifecycle costs, not just purchase prices. Compare technical qualification evidence, installation guidance and maintenance access alongside initial cable costs. For routes that are difficult to reopen, the consequences of a specification error may outweigh a lower upfront price.

For manufacturers, these priorities create an opportunity to differentiate through application-specific guidance, testing evidence and support during project qualification. For buyers, they provide a framework for comparing suppliers against the actual demands of each installation.

About the report

Future Market Insights' Direct Burial Cables Market report examines market size and forecasts for 2026–2036, country-level growth, cable type, voltage rating, insulation and jacket, application, installation environment, sales channel, regional demand and competitive positioning.

Read the full report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/direct-burial-cables-market

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About Future Market Insights

Future Market Insights, Inc. (FMI) is an ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting firm headquartered in Delaware, USA, with offices in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and India. FMI delivers syndicated and custom research across food and beverage, healthcare, chemicals, technology, packaging, consumer goods and industrial sectors.

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