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Magnetic fields forever
 LOOKING UP: Things are looking up for electro-technology innovator Magtech, partly owned by Hydro. Pictured are Norsk Hydro Technology Ventures director, Richard Erskine, left; NHTVs technology director Dag Øvrebø; Magtech managing director, Jon Karlsen; NHTV investment manager, Alex Tham; Magtech research engineer, Frank Strand; and Magtech technology director, Espen Haugs. (Photos: David Burke) |
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(Oct. 15, 2004) A good crowd of new customers turned up this week for the opening of a new production plant at partly Hydro-owned electro-technology innovator, Magtech, in Moss, Norway.
“We’ve developed unique technology and unique products and we’re ready for industrial production,” says an upbeat Magtech managing director Jon Karlsen.
Magtech’s patented technology – Magtech Controllable Conductivity - uses polarized magnetic fields to control and effectively channel flows of electricity. Society’s growing energy appetite strains aging power grids. The result is unstable electricity flows and reduced voltage levels to end users. Magtech’s first product to market - the Voltage Booster – is installed between the grid and local lines leading to end users. The current Voltage Booster model – MVB 80 - stabilizes and significantly boosts voltage supply for up to three households.
Magtech is developing several other products – all based on MCC technology. MCC does not use mechanical parts, eliminating wear and tear, cutting maintenance and extending longevity.
The technology is versatile, says Karlsen. “It’s applicable to conventional power production, wind turbines, aluminium smelters, subsea separation units, high voltage power lines and last but not least, low voltage grids.”
The new production plant (actually in Moss’ oldest industrial building) can produce between 500 to 600 units per year. Several MVBs are already in use throughout Scandinavia. Asked about market potential, Karlsen rolls out a world map.
 CUTTING RIBBON: Moss, Norway mayor, Paul Erik Krogsvold, officially opened Magtechs new production plant in the southeastern Norwegian city on Thursday. In background are Magtech managing director, Jon Karlsen, left; Norsk Hydro Technology Ventures investment manager and Magtech board member, Alex Tham; Magtech board chairman, Jan Otto Ringdal; and representative from Magtechs Danish co-owner Bankinvest, Niels Langvad. |
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The growing risk of power blackouts is motivating European countries to take precautionary measures. The UK has passed a law demanding minimum power quality standards from utilities. Norwegian and other European lawmakers are currently mulling similar legislation. MVBs effectively reduce blackout potential by relieving overloaded power grids.
“This technology is particularly interesting for Hydro,” says Norsk Hydro Technology Ventures investment manager and Magtech board member, Alex Tham. “Improving power efficiency by even just one percent means significant cost savings. The value proposition of Magtech is power quality and power efficiency. As a major power producer and consumer, Hydro stands to benefit enormously from the development of this technology.”
Hydro presently holds about a 30 percent stake in the company. Magtech currently employs 20 people.
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