#None #Energy Transition #KEMA Labs #high voltage

Ensuring Vitality in the Energy Transition

The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation fueled by technological advances, an increasing demand for power, and a global emphasis on sustainability. In this era of change, maintaining the reliability of high-voltage (HV) components has become essential. KEMA Labs, a key entity in this field, plays a paramount role in providing the necessary support for critical high-voltage projects across Europe.

A notable example is the Hollandse Kust Noord project in the Netherlands, spearheaded by TenneT. This ambitious initiative integrates three new offshore wind farms into the national power grid. At the heart of this project is an advanced transformer station in Wijk aan Zee, where KEMA Labs has conducted meticulous testing protocols, including pre-commissioning and high-voltage tests. Leveraging advanced cameras to detect corona discharges, their team successfully identified and addressed potential insulation problems across an area equivalent to 23 football fields.

Using mobile series resonance test banks, they applied voltages up to 374 kV—far exceeding operational levels—to unearth any hidden faults within 12 cable networks. Such rigorous testing is vital to ensuring optimum performance and seamless integration into the 380 kV grid via the Beverwijk switching station. This project's success underscores the significance of thorough coordination, safety planning, and technical precision in modern energy infrastructures.

In addition to their work in the Netherlands, KEMA Labs has showcased their expertise in remote environments, exemplified by their commissioning of the 66 kV submarine cable for Landsnet in Iceland. This initiative, aimed at bolstering power transmission to Heimaey Island, presented distinct logistical and environmental challenges. Despite unpredictable conditions and the isolation of the site, KEMA's team executed the tests independently, validating the cable's integrity and supporting the island's energy resilience.

As high-voltage networks expand globally, the demand for reliable components and qualified suppliers is mounting. KEMA Labs continues to reinforce its pivotal role in verifying the safety and performance of critical infrastructures, aiding utility companies in meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality. Their commitment to rigorous testing and quality assurance not only fosters reliability but also propels the energy transition forward, aligning with European sustainability goals and enhancing the overall resilience of the energy landscape.

In conclusion, KEMA Labs is at the forefront of ensuring that as the world steers toward a more sustainable future, the stability and reliability of our energy supply remain uncompromised. Their expert testing services not only help prevent costly downtimes but also safeguard public infrastructures critical to society’s functioning. In this transformative time, KEMA Labs exemplifies the intersection of innovation and reliability in the quest for a greener world.