We have officially opened the new Large Energy Systems and Drives Laboratory (LAVESP 2) in Bedekovčina, one of the most technologically advanced laboratories for high-voltage equipment testing in Europe. With an investment exceeding EUR 20 million, the new facility marks a major milestone in the expansion of our research and testing capabilities, further strengthening our position among Europe's leading laboratories in the field of power engineering.

The official opening ceremony, held on 14 July 2026, was attended by Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR, Dalibor Filipović-Grčić, Director of KONČAR - Electrical Engineering Institute, Tomislav Ćorić, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Finance, and Ante Šušnjar, Minister of Economy. Minister Ćorić emphasized that the laboratory represents an investment in the future of Croatian industry and the resilience of the national economy, while Mr. Kolak highlighted that LAVESP 2 reflects the KONČAR Group's strong investment and development momentum as well as its long-term commitment to technological excellence and the development of one of Europe's leading research and testing centres for power equipment.

The new laboratory features 2,700 m² of testing space and is designed to perform type, special, development, and research testing of high-voltage equipment. The construction and outfitting of the laboratory were supported by the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) and the European Union through the NextGenerationEU programme.

A key focus of the laboratory will be the testing of equipment for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems, a technology that plays a vital role in interconnecting power systems and integrating renewable energy sources. Dalibor Filipović-Grčić, Director of KONČAR – Electrical Engineering Institute, noted that the facility is among the largest and best-equipped high-voltage testing laboratories in the world, with testing capabilities of up to 4.4 million volts and the ability to test HVDC equipment, significantly expanding our capacity to participate in the world's most demanding energy infrastructure projects.

With the opening of LAVESP 2, we have further expanded our research and development capabilities and reinforced our role as a trusted partner to industry and the scientific community. During the ceremony, it was also confirmed that preparations have already begun for the construction of LAVESP 3, further developing the laboratory campus in Bedekovčina into one of Europe's leading centres for testing and developing power engineering equipment.