wiredInUSA November 2020

Import investigation

Swedish grid calls for reinforcements

Photo by Kristophers Ozolins on Unsplash

The European Commission has launched an investigation into the importation of fiber optical cables from China, following a complaint by Europacable on behalf of its membership. In its official notice of the action, the commission said: “The European Commission has received a complaint … on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union, alleging that imports of optical fiber cables originating in the People’s Republic of China are being dumped and are thereby causing injury to the Union industry.” According to Europacable, Chinese imports rose by 150% from 2016 to 2019. In 2019, approximately 1.2 million kilometers (745,000 miles) of cable were installed in Europe, with between 15% and 20% originating from China. European Commission anti-dumping investigations take up to 15 months, but provisional duties can be put in place within eight months. If imposed, final tariffs or penalties normally apply for five years.

Image courtesy of NKT

NKT has entered into a frame agreement with Ellevio for low and medium voltage power cables to reinforce and develop the power grid in central Sweden. The four- year agreement is for cables with voltage levels between 1kV and 36kV for projects including the replacement of overhead lines with underground power cables and reinforcing the power grid in urban areas around Stockholm. For NKT and Ellevio the newly signed frame agreement is a continuation of an existing partnership covering more than the supply of power cables. Peter Marcusson, Nordic director of sales for utilities at NKT, said: “With the new frame agreement we continue our engagement in ensuring the grid has the capacity needed to be ready for the increased electrification driven by urbanization and the transition to renewable energy.” “Part of our long-term relationship with Ellevio also includes the collaboration on the development of new products and methods to future proof the power grid in the region. Part of the infrastructure is aging and needs to be reinforced and expanded tomeet the growing demand for electricity, added Mr Marcusson.

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wiredInUSA November 2020