Mitsubishi acquires Swedish DC circuit breaker firm
Scibreak and Mitsubishi to work together on DCCB tech for HVDC systems
Mitsubishi Electric has entered into a share transfer agreement on February 16 to wholly acquire Scibreak AB, a Swedish-based company that develops direct current circuit breakers (DCCBs).
The two firms aim to work closely together on developing DCCB technologies for high- voltage direct current (HVDC) systems to support the increasing global deployment of renewable energy.
The introduction of renewable energy generation, such as wind power, is increasing worldwide to achieve carbon neutrality. Particularly in offshore wind power generation, HVDC is used for long-distance transmission between offshore and onshore load centres, as it offers lower power losses and cost when compared to AC transmission.
In the future, multi-terminal HVDC networks are expected to develop, particularly for offshore wind power generation in Europe, allowing for efficient cross-border energy transmission. These networks will require DCCBs, which will play a critical role in protecting the power system.
HVDC breakers will require very fast operation times, in the order of a few milliseconds, and companies are stepping up technological development in response to the need for more compact, high-performance, and cost effective DCCBs.
Scibreak has market leading DCCB technology, in terms of operation time and footprint. Through the acquisition of shares, Mitsubishi Electric says it will utilise Scibreak’s technology and know-how to lead the market commercialisation of DCCBs, strengthening its global HVDC system business and contributing to the realisation of carbon neutrality through the further spread of renewable energy.
(Pictured above are Mitsubishi Electric Executive Officer Noriyuki Takazawa (left) and Scibreak CEO Tomas Modeer)
