NKT Advances Low‑Carbon Cable Technology
NKT announced that it now designs, produces, and installs a 1 kV power cable built with low‑carbon aluminum and polyolefins for use in the Swedish power grid. The project supports NKT’s broader goal to operate as a net‑zero emissions company in the coming years.
NKT developed the new cable in close partnership with Swedish grid operator Ellevio, which will serve as the first utility to deploy the solution. You can learn more about the company and its sustainability strategy at NKT and about the grid operator at Ellevio.
How NKT’s Low‑Carbon 1 kV Cable Reduces Emissions
To lower the cable’s carbon footprint, NKT uses Hydro REDUXA low‑carbon aluminum for the conductor. This material has a footprint of 4.0 kg CO₂e per kg of aluminum, which is less than one‑quarter of the global average.
For insulation and jacketing, NKT relies on Bornewables™ material from Borealis. This bio‑based polyethylene delivers ‑0.5 kg CO₂e per kg of PE, which represents a reduction of at least 130% compared with conventional fossil‑based polyethylene. In addition, NKT manufactures the cable using lean production processes powered by 100% renewable electricity, further cutting lifecycle emissions.
Low‑Carbon Manufacturing at NKT’s Falun Factory
NKT produces the new 1 kV cable at its factory in Falun, Sweden, a site that already runs entirely on renewable electricity. The plant uses low‑carbon aluminum and polyolefins throughout the production process, helping NKT align its product portfolio with climate‑focused targets.
This launch follows NKT’s earlier announcement of the world’s first HVDC power cable made with low‑carbon copper, underscoring a consistent strategy to decarbonize power cable solutions across both low‑voltage and high‑voltage applications.
Industry Response and Market Demand
“This is a game changer in the development of an energy infrastructure built with innovative, low‑carbon solutions,” said Will Hendrikx, Executive Vice President and Head of Applications at NKT. He noted that NKT sees growing demand for more environmentally friendly products and that the company worked closely with customers and suppliers to deliver this innovative low‑voltage cable.
Karolina Viksten, sustainability manager at Ellevio, added that cables and overhead lines account for roughly 60% of the company’s emissions. Therefore, she expects the new low‑carbon 1 kV cable to play an important role in reducing the overall climate impact of Ellevio’s network.
