Intertek launches advanced battery testing center in Italy

Intertek, a global leader in quality assurance, introduced its new Battery Xcellence Centre located in Mestre, Italy. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed for battery and energy storage system testing. The center aims to address the growing industry demand for swift and dependable testing, certification, and assurance services.

Spanning 500 square meters, the center boasts advanced battery cyclers, climatic and salt spray chambers, vibration platforms, and mechanical testing tools. Additionally, it features two ATEX certified anti-fire containers and a unique altitude test chamber. These facilities cater to a broad spectrum of testing requirements, encompassing transportation and storage safety, functional safety, and performance for diverse cells and battery packs.

The battery sector, one of the most rapidly expanding industries globally, is projected to achieve a market value of EUR135 billion (USD143 billion) worldwide and EUR35 billion (USD37 billion) in the EU by 2030. Intertek has specialised battery facilities strategically positioned in countries like the U.S.A., China, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, and Europe. 

Intertek’s latest facility in Italy enhances its existing European battery excellence centers located in the Nordics, UK, and Germany. This expansion enables Intertek to transfer its expertise from established battery markets to Italy and the broader Southern European region. The Italian team will aid businesses across various sectors, such as automotive, transportation, energy, and consumer goods, in transitioning their products from initial design stages to compliance assessment and global market entry.

During the center’s official inauguration, André Lacroix, Intertek’s chief executive officer, remarked, “As we journey towards sustainability and Net Zero, the significance of energy storage is paramount. Recognising the swift electrification of society, we’re committed to investing in electrification’s future. Our new facility empowers clients in this vibrant region to leverage our advanced technology and industry expertise, facilitating their navigation through the swiftly changing regulatory landscape for batteries and battery-powered products.”

Arianna Fogar, general manager for Italy’s Electrical business, highlighted Italy’s position as the EU’s second-largest market for domestic energy storage systems and a pivotal hub for the European automotive supply chain. She expressed enthusiasm about fulfilling the industry’s local assurance, testing, and certification needs with the inauguration of this innovative battery and energy storage laboratory.