Nemko expands within battery value chain
Nemko is a certification body for batteries within the most widely used certification scheme for batteries, the CB Scheme. We currently have battery labs in Taiwan and India, and we are in the process of expanding battery services in Europe and increasing our network in North America. We offer assurance, testing, inspection and certification services for products, systems and processes worldwide, and are represented in 24 different locations.
Nemko is owned by the NEMKO Foundation, which works for safety, sustainability and the environment. It was originally named Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll, and was officially established in 1933 to provide mandatory safety testing and national approval of electrical equipment, and later also testing of radio interference requirements. Since 1992, both the scope of services and the global presence of Nemko have drastically expanded, and we are constantly building relevant expertise for growing markets. A key focus area for Nemko in the coming years will be the support of players in the battery value chain, in line with our sustainability goals.
The European battery capabilities are predicted to grow significantly in the coming decade, driven by supply chain concerns and EU initiatives. In today’s battery market, Asian countries are dominant, followed by US. By these initiatives, the EU will become a significant player within the battery field.
The EU has taken a comprehensive, lifecycle-based regulatory and financial incentive approach to applied battery technology. Both the EU and individual states are supporting private players in establishing factories to manufacture the most environmentally friendly batteries in the world. The first European gigafactories are now in the start-up phase. To achieve the EU’s growth targets, more than 50 gigafactories must be built in Europe within this decade.
Illustration from European Commission
Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), and is well positioned to host battery industry initiatives. There is abundant access to clean energy, as 98% of the Norwegian electricity production comes from renewable energy sources such as hydropower and wind power. Norway offers an environment that supports efficient production of environmentally friendly, clean and recyclable lithium-ion based battery cells with a low carbon footprint.
The largest battery market for the new production will be the transportation sector, with electric vehicles (EVs) as the prime target. The establishment and operation of these activities require competent and relevant third parties.
Further, there is a significant need for third-party services in the other parts of the battery value chain, for instance in connection with re-use and recycling.
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