ABB & NKT: Powering the World's Largest Submarine Cable

NKT is teaming up with ABB Distribution Solutions to widen its Swedish manufacturing capabilities in Karlskrona, responding to a surge in demand for offshore high-voltage power cabling.

As NKT broadens the site, including a new production plant and a third extrusion tower, ABB will play a pivotal role in ensuring continuous electricity supply.

This development marks a significant step towards creating the world's most extensive high-voltage offshore cable factory.

Boosting capacity for renewable transitions

At this enhanced facility, NKT sets its sights on the production of high-voltage submarine power cables, capable of handling up to 640kV DC.

These cables are instrumental in driving the global shift towards renewable energy sources.

By fuelling this transition, NKT positions itself as a vital player in building sustainable energy infrastructures.

The plant will use 100% renewable electricity, bolstered by new electrical infrastructure embedded in two novel distribution stations.

The objective is clear: as offshore wind capabilities grow, the need for robust and advanced cable systems escalates.

These systems are crucial for connecting geographically dispersed regions, facilitating a seamless energy flow from one point to another.

Advanced cable systems by NKT and ABB are geared towards revolutionising the electrification of undersea power cables

“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: Steering the future of electrification

ABB's contribution to NKT's expansion is key.

The industrial giant will supply 90 UniGear ZS1 switchgear panels along with peripheral devices such as cross-connection cabinets, busbar packs and 110 V DC low-voltage systems with batteries.

The UniGear ZS1 switchgear, a reliable setup for more than two decades, is highly regarded for its consistent standards of reliability and safety.

In addition to equipment provision, ABB will handle the complete management of the plant design, including project coordination, installation, testing and 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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