Founded in 1891, NKT A/S is one of Denmark’s most iconic industrial companies, with over a century of experience in creating and delivering technologies that keep the world connected—both literally and figuratively. Initially established as a telegraph cable manufacturer, the company has dramatically evolved in scope and scale. Today, it stands at the forefront of the green energy transformation, serving as a linchpin in the delivery of robust, long-distance high-voltage power cable solutions.
With around 4,000 employees globally and a recorded revenue exceeding EUR 2.1 billion in 2023, NKT A/S is not only one of Denmark’s industrial flagships but also a major technological force in the global power transmission industry. Its transformation from a national player to a global leader reflects both the evolution of the energy market and Denmark’s role in catalyzing sustainable technological development.
NKT A/S as Denmark’s Industrial Powerhouse in the Global Energy Landscape
Though headquartered in Brøndby, Denmark, the footprint of NKT A/S extends well beyond Danish borders. As climate change accelerates the demand for sustainable energy solutions, NKT is enabling the transition to clean energy by delivering the cable infrastructure that connects wind, solar, and hydroelectric power sources to the electrical grids that power homes, cities, and industries.
By producing both onshore and submarine power cables, NKT plays a crucial part in helping countries fulfill their carbon-neutral goals. This is particularly relevant in Europe, where energy security and cross-border power exchange via HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) and HVAC (High-Voltage Alternating Current) transmission systems are critical.
Much like other renowned Danish energy companies such as Ørsted and Vestas, NKT helps drive the country’s green brand—a reputation for innovation, reliability, and leadership in clean tech. Through its strategic investments and global operations, NKT contributes to Danish exports, creates high-value jobs, and strengthens Denmark’s industrial competitiveness.
Strategic Role in Renewable Energy and Electrification
NKT A/S operates at the intersection of energy and technology, two sectors fundamental to shaping the 21st-century economy. As nations discard fossil fuels and commit to renewable energy targets, the need for highly reliable and efficient power transmission systems has never been greater. That’s where NKT steps in.
The company specializes in high-end cable solutions that serve as the arteries of modern energy systems. Offshore wind farms, for instance, are often located far from populated areas or industrial zones. NKT’s submarine cables make it possible to transport that offshore-generated electricity inland with minimal energy loss. Likewise, their HVDC systems connect countries and regions, enabling greater energy flexibility, redundancy, and security.
With power grids becoming increasingly digitized and decentralized, NKT is also involved in the upgrade and expansion of aging infrastructure. This includes not only the construction of new transmission corridors but also the modernization of existing systems to handle additional loads and integrate renewable energy inputs. In this way, NKT helps to future-proof national energy systems across Europe and beyond.
Technological Excellence and Turnkey Capabilities
One of NKT’s defining attributes is its vertically integrated business model. Unlike other suppliers that focus solely on manufacturing or installation, NKT offers end-to-end project delivery. This includes everything from research and development, design, and engineering to manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
A concrete example of this capability is the company’s involvement in the COBRAcable project—a 700 MW HVDC interconnector linking Denmark and the Netherlands. Completed in collaboration with TenneT and Energinet, the project reflects the trust placed in NKT’s engineering and execution expertise, as well as its proficiency in delivering complex international infrastructure.
This full-spectrum approach allows NKT to maintain tight quality control, optimize project planning, and mitigate delays—qualities that are highly valued in billion-euro infrastructure investments. It also reinforces the brand’s reputation for reliability, a critical asset in the high-stakes world of energy transmission.
NKT A/S and Sustainability at the Core
NKT does not merely support the renewable energy transition—it embodies it. The company has committed itself to sustainable operations and innovation in meaningful ways. Its flagship high-voltage factory in Karlskrona, Sweden, for example, is powered entirely by renewable energy and is CO₂-neutral. This makes it one of the greenest facilities of its kind anywhere in the world.
The company’s sustainability efforts extend to near-zero waste production processes, circular material strategies, eco-friendly packaging, and responsible sourcing. As climate regulation and investor expectations evolve, NKT’s environmental leadership provides a clear strategic advantage.
Moreover, its contributions to crucial EU and global climate goals give it not only economic value but social relevance. That relevance ensures that NKT remains a preferred partner in projects that define the infrastructures of tomorrow—from offshore wind zones in the North Sea to cross-border energy corridors stretching through Central Europe.
Global Impact with a Danish Identity
Despite its global client base and operating footprint, NKT remains deeply rooted in its Danish identity. It reflects the national values of trust, responsibility, sustainable innovation, and high-quality engineering.
As a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen, NKT is also a vital player in the Danish stock market and investment community. It creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Denmark and abroad and serves as a symbol of how small nations can produce global champions in high-value industrial niches.
The company’s collaboration with educational institutions and research bodies further demonstrates its commitment to both knowledge-sharing and talent development—a hallmark of the Danish economic model that balances competitiveness with social responsibility.
A Future Defined by Electrification
The global push toward electrification—of transportation, heating, industry, and beyond—demands infrastructure that is effective, resilient, and environmentally sustainable. NKT’s products and capabilities serve as the foundation for this transformation. As the renewable revolution continues to accelerate at scale, companies like NKT are not only relevant—they are essential.
With decades of expertise, a clear sustainability vision, and a strong commitment to innovation, NKT A/S is more than a company—it is a key architect of tomorrow’s energy systems. And from its home in Denmark, it is helping to electrify the world, one cable at a time.
Products and Services of NKT A/S
End-to-End Cable Systems Across Voltage Levels
NKT A/S offers a comprehensive portfolio of cable systems that support the reliable and efficient transmission of electrical power. These systems range from low-voltage products for residential and commercial buildings to cutting-edge high-voltage (HV) and extra high-voltage (EHV) solutions, capable of handling complex grid and offshore applications.
The company’s high-voltage cable solutions begin at 69 kV and extend beyond 525 kV for both AC and DC transmissions. The scale and technical sophistication of these systems make NKT a trusted partner for governments, utilities, and industrial developers.
High-Voltage AC and DC Cable Systems
NKT’s high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) and direct current (HVDC) technologies form the core of its transmission solution offerings. HVAC systems typically serve land-based national grids and shorter distances, while HVDC systems are used for long-distance, high-efficiency electric transmission, particularly between countries or to connect remote offshore wind installations.
Submarine Cable Solutions for Offshore Wind and Interconnectors
As the offshore wind sector continues rapid expansion, NKT’s submarine cables are more critical than ever. These products are specifically engineered to endure challenging marine environments, where durability, flexibility, and resilience are paramount. NKT designs and manufactures submarine cables for both HVAC and HVDC configurations. These cables link offshore wind farms—including floating wind turbines—to onshore substations, enabling countries to harness wind power at sea and distribute it on land.
Medium- and Low-Voltage Cables
NKT also provides a wide range of medium-voltage (1–69 kV) and low-voltage (below 1 kV) cables for energy distribution in urban and industrial settings. The cables often include enhanced safety features such as flame retardancy, halogen-free materials, and water-blocking technologies.
NKT A/S Cable Accessories and Jointing Technologies
To ensure long-term operational integrity, NKT designs and supplies a full suite of cable accessories, including joints, terminations, bushings, and connectors. These accessories are tailored to work seamlessly with NKT’s cable systems and are used in both new installations and retrofit projects.
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Services
Beyond manufacturing, NKT is renowned for its turnkey execution capability. The company offers complete Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services, making it a one-stop provider for large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
EPC services include initial feasibility analysis, route surveys, system design, cable manufacturing, installation using cable-laying vessels, testing, and maintenance planning. For customers, this means a streamlined procurement process, fewer project risks, and better alignment across timelines and budgets.
Digital Monitoring and Smart Grid Solutions
Recognizing the role of digitalization in modern energy management, NKT has developed intelligent cable monitoring tools and services. These technologies provide real-time performance data, enabling predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.
Key products include partial discharge monitoring, load tracking, temperature sensors, and advanced diagnostic software platforms that give operators a full overview of power cable health and lifecycle. Such smart-grid integration is vital for reducing outages, optimizing load distribution, and extending the lifespan of assets.
Sustainability and COâ‚‚-Neutral Manufacturing
NKT’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the service it provides to renewable energy developers. Its production processes also set benchmarks within the industry. The Karlskrona HV factory is not only one of the largest cable production facilities in Europe, but also operates with certified CO₂-neutral production through the use of 100% green electricity and renewable fuels.
The company also pursues life-cycle thinking, aiming to reduce its material waste and improve recyclability. For instance, it sources metal content from sustainable suppliers and uses insulation compounds that meet strict environmental criteria.
Training and Support Services
To complement its technical offerings, NKT also provides comprehensive training programs for engineers, contractors, and utility personnel. These sessions cover safe cable handling, installation techniques, HV testing, and digital monitoring tool integration.
Conclusion: NKT A/S
NKT A/S stands as a testament to Denmark’s industrial innovation and commitment to sustainable development. With more than 130 years of history, the company has grown into a global leader in power cables and infrastructure solutions. What makes NKT unique is its full-spectrum approach—from product design and development to turnkey project execution and digital monitoring.
FAQs about NKT A/S
1. What does NKT A/S do?
NKT A/S designs, manufactures, and installs power cable systems used to transmit electricity across long distances. It specializes in high-voltage and submarine cables and provides complete energy infrastructure solutions.
2. What industries and sectors does NKT A/S serve?
NKT A/S serves the energy transmission and distribution sector, including utilities, transmission system operators (TSOs), offshore wind developers, and national governments.
3. What kind of cables does NKT A/S produce?
NKT A/S produces low-, medium-, high-, and extra high-voltage cables. These include HVDC and HVAC cables for transmission, as well as cables for distribution, construction, and industrial use.
4. What are NKT’s EPC services?
NKT A/S provides full turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services. This includes planning, design, cable manufacturing, installation, testing, and maintenance support for complex transmission infrastructure projects.
