• News
  • Misc
  • Press Releases
  • Renewable News

NKT qualifies 525 kV high-voltage DC power cable for the German corridor projects, a milestone in the European green energy transformation


NKT has completed the qualification of its sustainably produced 525 kV high-voltage DC (direct current) XLPE underground power cable to match the requirements for the coming high-voltage DC corridor projects in Germany. These projects constitute a vital step in the country’s transition of its energy supply to come from renewable sources.

As part of ‘Energiewende’, Germany’s long-term strategy for switching to renewable energies by 2050, long distance power transmission lines are required to transport renewable energy from the Northern parts of the country to the South. These transmissions lines are often referred to as the HVDC corridor projects covering a large proportion of the country. All corridor projects will be using 525 kV DC underground power cable systems for the main lines, and lower AC voltage levels for a number of connecting lines.

The 525 kV high-voltage DC XLPE underground power cable from NKT is qualified for the German HVDC projects after more than one year of testing by an external power cable test institute. This quality mark adds to the Cigre qualification which was obtained already in 2014, when NKT first launched the 525 kV XLPE power cable as a world’s first. The 525 kV power cable, which keeps transmission losses low, will be manufactured at NKT’s high-voltage plants in Germany and Sweden using solely green electricity. This local presence will also ensure short transportation distances to the HVDC corridors and thereby minimize the total carbon footprint.

– This additional qualification of our high-performing 525 kV DC power cable is a milestone for NKT to take active part in the German energy transformation. At the same time, it underlines our leading position as power cable innovator, as we were the first to launch this 525 kV DC XLPE power cable in 2014. Furthermore, I am pleased that with this power cable, we offer a solution produced on our high-voltage plants running 100% on green electricity, says Anders Jensen, NKT Executive Vice President and Head of Technology.

About NKT

NKT has pioneered the cable industry since 1891, and today we are still proactively meeting the world’s constantly growing need for power. We achieve this with our unparalleled energy transportation expertise and cost-effective manufacturing at the highest technological level, and with the regeneration of the environment in sharp focus. We have a ‘glocal’ mindset rooted in trusted partnerships, and we firmly believe that by working together we can shape the future and use our passion to bring power to life.

NKT is a global and recognized provider of turnkey AC/DC cable solutions with headquarter in Denmark. We employ approximately 3,400 people and realized a 2018 revenue of EUR 1,434 million. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. www.nkt.com. www.nkt.com