How NKT and ABB are Driving Sustainable Manufacturing

NKT has teamed up with ABB Distribution Solutions to upgrade its manufacturing site in Karlskrona, Sweden, owing to the increased demand for offshore high-voltage power cables.

This expansion will see the installation of a new factory alongside a third extrusion tower, positioning it as the largest high-voltage offshore cable factory globally.

The continued and reliable electricity supply by ABB to these expanded facilities is crucial, especially since production operates continuously.

Boosting Infrastructure for Renewable Energy

The Karlskrona site is set to bolster its production capabilities, with NKT to manufacture high-voltage submarine power cables suitable for up to 640kV DC.  This enhancement will significantly support the global shift towards renewable energy.

Notably, the plant will operate entirely on 100% renewable electricity, sourced and managed through the addition of two new distribution stations.

Submarine high-voltage power cables are vital for the renewable energy sector, forming an integral part of global energy infrastructure.

They are essential for connecting offshore wind farms to national grids, facilitating the transportation of electricity across extensive distances.

The collaboration between NKT and ABB to advance the electrification of these underwater cables is pivotal as offshore wind capacities continue to rise globally.

“The ongoing investment in the factory creates the opportunity to annually produce the cables required to connect up to ten average offshore wind farms with a total capacity of 20 GW - enough to supply approximately 15-20 million homes," says Darren Fennell, Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona at NKT.

"ABB can deliver a solution that meets our requirements for high availability.

"The company has supplied the power supply to our existing plant and as we now expand, we choose to continue a collaboration that works well with a partner that has reliable, high-quality equipment.”

ABB: Pioneering in electrification

ABB’s contribution is integral to NKT’s ambitious expansion.

The company will supply 90 UniGear ZS1 switchgear panels along with peripheral items such as cross-connection cabinets, busbar packs and 110 V DC LS systems complete with batteries.

The UniGear ZS1 switchgear, acclaimed for its reliability and safety, has been in distribution for more than 20 years, powering numerous demanding applications seamlessly.

Additionally, ABB will oversee the complete chain of project operations including plant design, project management, installation, testing and equipment commissioning.

"We are excited to be involved in NKT's efforts to facilitate the transition to renewable energy through advanced submarine cables,” says Håkan Morling, responsible for Solutions at ABB Distribution Solutions in Sweden.

“For ABB, this project signifies our total commitment, and our extensive experience in delivering large, complex facilities will prove valuable.

"ABB delivers around a thousand UniGear switchgear panels every year to the Swedish market. It is a well-proven technology designed to meet the high reliability and personal safety required by the industry.

"With UniGear, NKT gets a future-proof solution for the power supply of the cable factory around the clock.”

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