With the revitalisation of the former Nexans site at Brink Harbour in Hannover, Panattoni has developed a state-of-the-art build-to-suit property that is precisely tailored to the requirements of the international cable specialist, Nexans. The company uses the site not only for production, but also as a key site for the research, development and production of superconductive high-voltage cable systems and cryogenic technology.
As one of the globally leading manufacturers of cable systems and grid technologies, Nexans is present in 43 countries and is actively participating in shaping the energy revolution according to the guiding principle, “Electrify the Future”. Nexans develops and produces technologies for the low-loss transmission of electricity on urban grids and at computer centres and large industrial plants.
These superconductive cable systems transport electrical energy with almost no resistance and, therefore, without heat losses or magnetic fields. They can transmit up to a gigawatt to one metre of cable. This allows for high capacity in the smallest possible space which is particularly beneficial with regard to urban supply grids or in AI-based data centres.
A prerequisite for the operation of this technology is the use of cryogenic liquid gases like nitrogen, hydrogen or helium which are conducted through vacuum-insulated duct systems at temperatures below negative 160°C. This cryogenic technology is also used in the food industry, medical technology and the hydrogen economy.
Internationally networked: electricity flows underwater
What was once used for telecommunications is now of strategic importance for supply reliability, geopolitical stability and the sustainable distribution of electricity. As an invisible backbone of the energy revolution, submarine cables connect offshore wind farms with onshore centres of consumption and balance out international flows of electricity. Nexans is not only the manufacturer, but also the system provider and handles laying, testing and digital control. The company develops precisely those technologies that allow for the low-loss and flexible distribution of energy over long distances, whether underwater, on land or in urban areas.
In Hanover, Nexans manufactures, among other things, vacuum-insulated duct systems that act as a major component of superconductive cables. These thermosystems allow for the transport of cryogenic liquid gases like nitrogen at negative 196°C with minimal energy losses. Independently from superconductors, these high-tech components are used in a variety of applications: for instance, in aerospace, semiconductor production or cryogenic conservation of medical specimens.
Tradition meets transformation
After 125 years of innovation history at the site in Hannover, which is steeped in tradition, Nexans decided to cease production of conventional cables at the site in 2019. A modern facility with customised spaces for special mechanical engineering, cryogenic technology and superconductor development was required for the highly specialised applications. At the same time, the expertise gathered over the course of a century needed to be kept at the site and bundled in a sustainable manner.
With Panattoni as a partner, a customised build-to-suit property was built at Campus Hannover Zentrum which places a clear focus on site revitalisation, green building standards and technology-driven use.
Customized solution for technologies of the future
Various fields of expertise are united under one roof at the approximately 9,000 m², highly specialised plant.
- Production zones for machine components and duct systems
- Integrated high-voltage testing laboratory for testing new energy technologies
- Cryogenic filling system for cryogenic liquid gases
- Networked development and engineering departments
Special infrastructure like crane systems, vacuum technology and testing systems allow for the precise implementation of technologically complex processes. Thanks to the state-of-the-art system technology, the high-energy-consuming processes can be implemented particularly efficiently.
The high-voltage testing laboratory will be used group-wide as a central testing facility, for instance, for the validation of superconductive systems with regard to their current carrying capacity, insulation or electromagnetic compatibility under realistic conditions.
The cryogenic filling system allows for the precise handling and processing of cryogenic liquid gases. These are essential for the operation of superconductors and for industrial clients, for instance, from the food, medical technology or hydrogen economy sectors. The use of vacuum-insulated duct systems minimises losses during transport and maximises operational security.
At the same time, the flexible hall configuration allows for the parallel development of new special machine components. These are used, for instance, in cladding for special cables or in the production of vacuum-insulated pipe structures, and undergo acceptance testing in North and South America, Europe, India and Japan.
Hub for global electrification
With the new “Stella Nova” site, Nexans has created a centre for innovation. The customised high-tech hub sustainably supports the company’s electrification strategy. As a result of uniting local research excellence and global impact, the new site strengthens Nexans’ role as a pioneer in electrification and impressively illustrates how technological innovation leads to concrete social benefit.
The bundled expertise in the fields of engineering, production and testing allow for shorter innovation cycles and offer space for the development of new products in a dynamically growing market. Thus, the “Electrify the Future” vision will become a thing of the present at Panattoni Campus Hannover Zentrum.
