Smart energy system
Dalarna is an innovative region with world-leading actors such as Hitachi Energy, NKT, CTEK and coming-soon Northvolt. The smart energy ecosystem in Dalarna contributes to research, development, and implementation of climate smart energy systems with important public actors such as Högskolan Dalarna University and High-Voltage Valley. The sustainable energy solutions developed in Dalarna contribute to the global energy transition.
Ludvika has historically been home to pioneers in energy, and in specific electric power technology and high voltage. This has attracted businesses and key players in the industry to establish operations in Ludvika and Dalarna. Dalarna and Ludvika offer a unique testing arena for SmartGrid-solutions, located at STRI, and developed in the High Voltage Valley-project SmartGrid – Energy storage. STRI is an accredited high-voltage laboratory with unique testing facilities for dielectric withstanding voltage, pollution, snow and ice, salt-fog, and multi-stress testing.
Hitachi Energy’s world leading position and the company’s presence in Ludvika promote the development and production of smart solutions in electric power technology necessary for an energy-efficient, sustainable future, and with a broaden commitment to a sustainable energy future. In November 2022 Hitachi Energy inaugurated the company’s new factory in Smedjebacken, an expansion of Hitachi Energy’s operations in the region of Dalarna, in order to meet the growing demand for production capacity. The factory will produce HVDC (high-voltage direct current) valves.
In March 2022 circular battery producer Northvolt announced it’s plans to establish a gigafactory in the municipality of Borlänge in Dalarna, Northvolt Fem. Stora Enso Kvarnsveden’s closed down paper mill is now being transformed into a new battery gigafactory. Operations is expected to start in 2026 and will employ up to 1,000 people, utilizing 100 percent clean energy from the region. Fully built out, the site will have a potential annual production capacity of more than 100 GWh of cathode material, which will enable cell assembly at multiple Northvolt facilities.
An important milestone was reached in February 2023 when the company got the go-ahead from the authorities for the environmental permit. The transformation of the site has started, the site in Dalarna is unique since it is the first brownfield site the company will transform into a battery factory. With its access to energy, industrial water and the broad production know-how in the region, Kvarnsveden is an optimal site for a battery gigafactory.
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