Mitsubishi Electric Corporation officially revealed that on February 16, it signed a share transfer agreement to fully acquire Scibreak AB, a Swedish firm that creates direct current circuit breakers (DCCBs). By closely collaborating on developing DCCB technologies for direct high-voltage current (HVDC) systems to support the expanding global deployment of renewable energy, the two companies hope to increase the competitiveness of their combined business.
Renewable energy generation, including wind power, is becoming more prevalent to reach carbon neutrality. HVDC is utilized for long-distance transmission between offshore and onshore load centres, particularly in offshore wind power generation, as it offers lower power losses and costs than AC transmission. Future multi-terminal HVDC networks are anticipated to emerge, especially for Europe’s offshore wind energy production, enabling effective cross-border energy transmission. DCCBs will be necessary for these networks and crucial in defending the power grid.
Companies are accelerating technological development in response to the demand for more compact, high-performance, and cost-effective DCCBs because HVDC breakers will need very quick operation times on the order of a few milliseconds.
Regarding operation time and footprint, Scibreak has DCCB technology that is at the top of the market. Mitsubishi Electric will use Scibreak’s technology and know-how to lead the market commercialization of DCCBs by purchasing shares, strengthening its worldwide HVDC system business, and helping achieve carbon neutrality by promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
