EKA secures new contract with CERN – focusing on sustainable cooling

Following a successful assignment in 2024, EKA has once again been entrusted with collaborating with CERN, Europe’s leading laboratory for particle physics. The new contract, awarded through an international tender, means that EKA will analyse and propose improvements for five of CERN’s older cooling systems – with a view to sustainable solutions for the future.

Towards energy efficiency with natural refrigerants

The current contract focuses on identifying how CERN’s existing systems can be upgraded to use energy-efficient technologies and natural refrigerants. This is an important part of CERN’s ambition to reduce its environmental impact and transition to more sustainable infrastructure solutions.

“Being awarded a second contract with CERN is a strong confirmation of the value we can contribute. Working in such a demanding environment is both challenging and inspiring – while also allowing us to contribute to the green transition,” says EKA.

Building on previous work

EKA’s first collaboration with CERN began through AIMday Big Science Technology 2024 – a matchmaking event organised by Big Science Sweden. This is where the first contact was established, leading to a technical feasibility study on site at CERN.

In the new contract, EKA builds on the groundwork already carried out, taking it to the next level with concrete recommendations for future upgrades. The contract starts in August 2025, with the first deliverables scheduled for September.

Swedish expertise in demand

The need for climate-smart technology within Big Science is growing rapidly – and EKA is showing the way for how Swedish engineering expertise can meet these demands.

Read the article on Big Science Sweden’s website here.