#Germany #Copenhagen #NKT #SuedLink #Elbe Crossing

NKT Delivers Specialized Power Cables for River Crossing in Germany

In a remarkable achievement for the renewable energy sector, NKT has successfully delivered specially engineered 525 kV HVDC power cable sections for the critical River Elbe crossing as part of the expansive SuedLink project in Germany. This milestone marks a significant development in the quest for sustainable energy transmission, showcasing NKT's advanced capabilities in cable design and logistics.

The SuedLink Project

The SuedLink project aims to enhance Germany's energy infrastructure, facilitating the transfer of renewable energy from the north of the country to the south. The project is critical in achieving Germany's ambitious climate goals and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The River Elbe crossing is a pivotal segment of this initiative and represents one of the most challenging logistics operations undertaken in this region. Gunnar Spengel, Program Director for SuedLink at TenneT Germany, noted, "The crossing of the River Elbe is a crucial part of the SuedLink transmission line, and it has been satisfying to follow the execution of this complex logistics operation in preparation for the installation under the river."

Innovative Engineering and Design

NKT's solution for the Elbe crossing involved the manufacture of extra-long power cable sections, each exceeding five kilometers in length. Such lengths are considerably longer than those of typical onshore power cables and required an innovative logistical approach for transportation. Conventional cable drums were insufficient for this operation, prompting NKT to devise a bespoke logistics setup involving cable baskets, marine transport, floating-crane lifts, and specialized heavy-load transport across German roads.

Thies Helbig, Head of Project Execution Transmission at NKT, emphasized, "The Elbe crossing is a project within a project. By eliminating cable joints inside the tunnel, we are enhancing the long-term reliability of this critical section of SuedLink."

Logistics and Execution Challenges

The logistics behind the Elbe crossing were complex, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. The power cables traveled from NKT's high-voltage factory in Karlskrona, Sweden, to the installation site in Germany. The successful integration of such varied transport mechanisms is a testament to NKT's engineering and logistical expertise.

"With the crossing requiring cable sections of more than five kilometers in continuous lengths, we have demonstrated our ability to combine advanced cable design, manufacturing expertise, and project execution to address a highly demanding technical challenge," added Helbig.

Next Steps

Following the successful delivery, the next phase of the Elbe crossing involves pulling the cables through the tunnel using specialized installation equipment. This crucial step is designed to ensure that the cables are seamlessly connected to the broader SuedLink power cable system, paving the way for efficient energy transmission.

About NKT

NKT is a leader in high-quality power cable technology, committed to connecting a greener world. With over a century of experience since its establishment in 1891, NKT has continuously innovated to meet the energy demands of today, from powering the first light bulbs to facilitating renewable energy infrastructure.

The company operates from more than 30 locations globally and employs over 6,500 people. In 2025, NKT realized a revenue of EUR 3.6 billion, reinforcing its status on Nasdaq Copenhagen.

As the world moves towards cleaner energy solutions, NKT remains at the forefront, driving advancements in power cable technology to support a sustainable future.