ZTT Engages PwC for European HVDC Cable Factory Site Selection

Zhongtian Technology Group (ZTT) has engaged PwC to conduct a site selection analysis for a new factory dedicated to HVDC subsea cable production, with the study focused on the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. The findings from PwC's analysis are expected to be delivered to ZTT's board in the second half of 2026, informing the final decision on the factory location.

The planned facility would strengthen ZTT's manufacturing presence in Europe, where the company already maintains supply agreements with major energy firms including TenneT and Ørsted. ZTT operates as a diversified industrial group active in telecommunications, power grid infrastructure, renewable energy, marine systems, and precision equipment. The company's subsea cable arm, Zhongtian Technology Submarine Cable (ZTTSC), has secured HVDC and offshore grid-connection contracts in recent years, including a 2GW HVDC project and an EPCI contract for the Gennaker offshore wind farm grid connection OST-6-1 scheme.

European Manufacturing Footprint

ZTT Group recently established its first European manufacturing facility in Łódź, Poland, through its subsidiary Rock Communication. The facility, located in the P3 Łódź City III logistics park, hosts seven production lines for the manufacture and distribution of fiber optic and power cables. According to Daniel Kaminski, senior associate for industrial and logistics agency at Colliers, the client evaluated several Polish locations before selecting the Łódź site based on its ability to meet requirements including customisations, sufficient power supply, office space, and access to a skilled workforce.

Regulatory and Competitive Environment

The site selection process takes place against a backdrop of evolving European regulatory frameworks and intensifying competition in the subsea cable sector. Concerns remain regarding the EU's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, which could impose ownership limitations on foreign investments in strategic manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, European competitors including Prysmian and Nexans are expanding their own manufacturing capabilities in response to growing demand for cable production capacity across the region, driven by offshore wind grid-connection requirements and inter-country HVDC interconnection programmes.