NKT breaks ground on new high-voltage cable test centre in Karlskrona
NKT has initiated the construction of a new testing facility for high-voltage power cable systems at its high-voltage factory in Sweden. This facility is part of the ongoing expansion of the factory and will enhance the company’s capacity and capabilities to meet future demand for high-voltage power cables. NKT is continuing the collaboration with key technology suppliers Hitachi Energy and ABB for the new test centre.
Press Release
8 July 2025
NKT has started the construction of a new test centre for high-voltage power cable systems at its factory in Karlskrona, Sweden. This centre is essential to the ongoing expansion of the factory aimed at increasing production capacity and installation capabilities to meet the high demand for high-voltage power cable systems. It will become one of the largest and most advanced cable testing facilities in the world, designed to test both AC and DC power cable technology.
- The groundbreaking of our new test centre marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investments in Karlskrona. 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. It will also enable us to prepare for testing of future cable technologies with new materials, higher voltage levels, and potentially longer cable lengths, says Darren Fennell, Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona at NKT.
Testing high-voltage power cable systems requires specialised equipment. NKT is continuing its collaboration with key suppliers Hitachi Energy and ABB AG from the existing test centre. Hitachi Energy is providing specially designed shunt reactors.
- 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. Our companies have a long history together, and I am glad that we can continue this journey, says Tobias Hansson, Managing Director for Hitachi Energy in Sweden.
ABB is supplying a drive and control system for the new test centre.
- We are proud to work with NKT and Hitachi Energy on this groundbreaking project. The new cable test centre in Karlskrona marks a significant advancement in high-voltage testing capabilities. Given the complexity of this testing centre, strong technological partnerships are essential to its success supporting the global energy transition, says Steffen Kopsch, Market Manager Test Systems, Process Industries, ABB AG.
The test centre will increase NKT’s testing capacity and capabilities within the full range of testing supporting material and process development, sample and routine testing, as well as after-installation and site acceptance tests.
Key facts:
- The new test centre is part of the ongoing EUR 1.3bn expansion of NKT’s high-voltage cable factory in Karlskrona, including the new cable-laying vessel NKT Eleonora.
- Testing is a key component in material development, power cable innovations, and manufacturing.
- The centre will be approximately 4,000 square meters and is expected to be operational during 2027.
About NKT
NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and takes centre stage as the world moves towards green energy. NKT designs, manufactures and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling sustainable energy transmission. Since 1891, NKT has innovated the power cable technology building the infrastructure for the first light bulbs to the megawatts created by renewable energy today. NKT is headquartered in Denmark and employs 6,000 people. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 3.3 billion in 2024.
NKT - We connect a greener world. www.NKT.com.
Contact
Pelle Fischer-Nielsen, External Communications Lead
+45 2223 5870 / pelle.fischer-nielsen@nkt.com
