Testing specialist Intertek has unveiled its new Battery Xcellence Centre in Mestre, Italy. The quality assurance provider says its new facility features the latest technologies for battery and energy storage systems testing and that it will meet the industry’s increasing need for fast and reliable testing, certification and assurance services.
The 500m2 facility is equipped with battery cyclers, climatic and salt spray chambers, vibration plans and mechanical testing equipment as well as two ATEX certified anti-fire containers and a dedicated altitude test chamber, enabling it to meet testing needs for transportation and storage safety, functional safety, and performance for a wide range of cells and battery packs.
“Sustainability is the movement of our time and we at Intertek are pioneering the global quality assurance industry to help our clients on their sustainability journeys,” said André Lacroix, chief executive officer at the company. “On the road to net zero, we know energy storage is more critical than ever and with the electrification of society moving at pace we are continuously investing in the future of electrification. This new state-of-the-art-facility enables our customers in this exciting region to benefit from our cutting-edge technology and industry-leading experts, helping them navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory environment for batteries and battery-operated products.”
As one of the world’s fastest growing industry sectors, the battery market is estimated to reach €135bn (US$143bn) globally and €35bn (US$37bn) in the EU by 2030. Intertek already has specialist battery capabilities strategically located in the USA, China, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong and Europe.
The new facility in Italy complements its existing European battery centers of excellence in the Nordics, UK and Germany, allowing the company to bring its expertise from more mature battery markets to Italy and the wider South Europe region. The Italian team will be supporting businesses across a range of sectors, including automotive, transportation, energy and consumer goods, to take their products from initial design phases through to compliance evaluation and global market access.
“Italy is the second largest market in the EU for domestic energy storage systems, as well as a key hub for the European automotive supply chain,” said Arianna Fogar, general manager for Intertek’s electric business in Italy. “We are delighted to be able to meet the industry’s need for local assurance, testing and certification services in this dynamic region with the opening of our pioneering battery and energy storage laboratory.”
