NKT opens first zero-carbon factory in Nordenham

NKT has achieved a major decarbonisation milestone by converting its medium-voltage cable accessories site in Nordenham, Germany, into its first fully zero-carbon factory in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

The transformation was driven by a series of operational changes, including the complete phase-out of natural gas, replacement of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and forklifts with electric alternatives, and the installation of industrial heat pumps powered by renewable electricity. The site also introduced energy-efficiency measures such as heat exchangers that recover and reuse waste heat from production processes.

According to the company, the final step in the transition was replacing gas-based heating systems with large-scale heat pump technology, requiring upgrades to the site’s electrical infrastructure and heating systems. The changes are expected to reduce emissions by around 576 tonnes of CO₂e annually.

NKT emphasized that all of its production sites already run on renewable electricity, supported by long-term power purchase agreements, including supply from a photovoltaic installation in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The company views the Nordenham milestone as part of its broader strategy to eliminate operational emissions across its global manufacturing footprint and support customer decarbonisation goals.