NKT has broken ground on a new high-voltage power cable test centre at its Karlskrona, Sweden factory, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its production and testing capabilities. This facility, slated to become one of the world’s largest and most advanced, will test both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power cable technologies, addressing the growing global demand for high-voltage power cable systems.
The new test centre is a cornerstone of NKT’s ongoing €1.3 billion expansion of its Karlskrona factory, which includes the introduction of the new cable-laying vessel, NKT Eleonora. The 4,000 square metre facility is expected to be operational by 2027 and will significantly enhance NKT’s testing capacity and capabilities. This includes material and process development, sample and routine testing, as well as after-installation and site acceptance tests.
Darren Fennell, Executive Vice President of NKT, emphasised the importance of the new test centre, stating, “Testing is a vital component in ensuring a high level of quality and reliability, and the new facility will enhance our leading position within the testing of high-voltage power cable systems.” He added that the centre will enable NKT to prepare for testing future cable technologies, including those with new materials, higher voltage levels, and potentially longer cable lengths.
To achieve its testing goals, NKT is continuing its collaboration with key suppliers Hitachi Energy and ABB. Hitachi Energy is providing specially designed shunt reactors, while ABB is supplying a drive and control system for the new test centre. Tobias Hansson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in Sweden, highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “Our partnership with NKT is a testament to the power of collaboration in accelerating a sustainable energy future. By providing cutting-edge technology and support, we are enhancing NKT’s testing capabilities and contributing to a more sustainable and electrified future.”
The development of this new test centre is poised to shape the high-voltage power cable sector in several ways. Firstly, it will likely set new standards for testing and quality assurance, driving other companies to invest in similar facilities to remain competitive. Secondly, the focus on future technologies suggests that the industry is preparing for significant advancements in cable materials and designs, which could lead to more efficient and reliable power transmission systems. Lastly, the collaboration between NKT, Hitachi Energy, and ABB demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
As the global demand for high-voltage power cable systems continues to grow, driven by the transition to renewable energy and the need for grid modernisation, facilities like NKT’s new test centre will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of power transmission infrastructure. The investments and innovations emerging from this project could very well set the stage for the next generation of power cable technologies.