Croatia, Bedekovčina: KONČAR has opened its new Laboratory for Power Systems and Drives, a technological facility worth more than $23 M (€20 M) and designed for advanced testing in the power sector.
The new laboratory, known as LAVESP 2, is part of KONČAR – Electrical Engineering Institute and follows the first LAVESP facility opened in Zagreb in 2023. With a testing area of 2,700 m², it will support type, special, research and development testing of high-voltage equipment.
The investment was financed with support from the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union through NextGenerationEU. KONČAR said the facility is one of only a few of its kind in Europe in terms of size and testing capabilities.
A particular focus will be placed on HVDC technologies, which are increasingly important for long-distance transmission, submarine cable systems, interconnections and the integration of offshore wind power.
“LAVESP 2 confirms KONČAR’s investment and development momentum and our long-term focus on strengthening technological excellence. This laboratory is part of our vision to create one of the most important development and testing centres for power equipment in Europe and proof that world-class technologies, knowledge and projects can be developed in Croatia,” said Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR.
Dalibor Filipović-Grčić, Director of KONČAR – Electrical Engineering Institute, said: We have opened one of the largest and best-equipped high-voltage testing laboratories in the world, capable of testing equipment for today’s most demanding transmission systems. With test voltages of up to 4.4 million volts and the capability to test technologies for HVDC power transmission, the laboratory will play an important role in global projects for the development of power infrastructure.”
KONČAR also announced preparations for LAVESP 3, a new laboratory worth $30 M (€26 M), further strengthening Bedekovčina as a regional testing centre.
Source: KONČAR
