24 July 2026
H.E. Ms. Petra Sigmund, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Japan, Visits the Power Cable Factory at Osaka Works
On July 14, Her Excellency Petra Sigmund, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Japan, visited the power cable factory at the Osaka Works of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
This visit reflects the expansion of Sumitomo Electric’s power cable business in Germany, where we have been actively pursuing growth in recent years, as well as the growing international interest in strengthening energy cooperation between Japan and Germany.
We have significantly expanded our power cable business in Germany by securing projects such as the world’s first 525 kV HVDC XLPE cable project A-Nord*1 in 2020, Korridor B V49*2 in 2024, and DC35*3 in May 2026. Based on this growth, we acquired the German cable manufacture Südkabel in October 2024 and established Sumitomo Electric Power Cable (Europe) GmbH (SEP-E）in Düsseldorf in February 2026. Through these initiatives, we aim to further strengthen manufacturing, design, and EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) capabilities locally.
During her visit, Ambassador Sigmund was briefed on our power cable and automotive wire harness businesses in Germany, and engaged in discussions on the importance of collaboration between Sumitomo Electric and Germany in the energy sector. The Ambassador also toured the power cable factory to observe the manufacturing process of the 525 kV HVDC power cables for the A-Nord project and the shipping preparations of HVDC submarine cables project for the NeuConnect Interconnector*4 between Germany and the UK.
We will continue to contribute to the creation of a sustainable energy society, the strengthening of infrastructure, and Germany’s decarbonization efforts through innovative power cable technologies and Japan-Germany collaboration.
*1 A-Nord project
The 525 kV HVDC XLPE cable project awarded to our company by Amprion in 2020.
Press release: “Sumitomo Electric secures >€500M ‘Corridor A-Nord’ High Voltage DC Underground Cable Project in Germany which sets new innovative benchmarks in the HVDC Industry” (PDF download)
*2 Korridor-B V49 project
The 525 kV HVDC XLPE cable project awarded to our company by Amprion in 2024.
Press release: “Sumitomo Electric Makes Strategic Acquisition of German Cable Manufacturer Südkabel to Deliver Two Major HVDC Cable Projects for Amprion”
https://sumitomoelectric.com/press/2024/06/prs025
*3 DC35 project
Approx. EUR 2 billion HVDC XLPE cable project awarded to our company by Amprion.
Press release: “Sumitomo Electric Secures Approx. EUR 2 Billion HVDC XLPE Cable Project from Amprion and Establishes an EPC Subsidiary in Germany”
https://sumitomoelectric.com/press/2026/05/prs024
*4 NeuConnect Interconnector
The 525 kV HVDC XLPE cable project awarded to our company by Amprion in 2022.
Press release:” Sumitomo Electric Secures Contract to Supply 525-kV HVDC Submarine Cable for the First Interconnector between UK and Germany (NeuConnect Interconnector)”
https://sumitomoelectric.com/press/2022/11/prs035